SugarFree Protocol – Kym

This is Kym’s Thread, September 2011

Kym’s Introduction:

Hi! My name is Kym and I’m a recovering diet-aholic.

I am forty-years-old and have been on every diet imaginable: the Mayo clinic diet, the steak diet, Weight Watchers, Nutri-System, Atkins, Master your Metabolism (Jillian Michaels) and HCG along with exercise sometimes. (I’m sure there’s more but my memory is slowly fading as I get older…) It wasn’t until HCG that I really lost the weight. I really didn’t have a weight problem until my twenties. In my teenage years I thought I was fat but looking back I was not. I’m 5’11” and have always been the tallest girl in school. It was embarrassing when the school nurse would take weight measurements because I weighed more than some of the boys. I didn’t get it at the time. It was because I was tall, not fat, that I weighed more than others. The mindset of being fat started in grade school and once I got to junior high and high school my mission to weigh less started.

I think the first diet I tried was the three-day Mayo Clinic diet. I would lose the weight and then gain it all back plus some. It just started a yo-yo dieting life. I have also been an on and off again smoker since I was seventeen. I quit for the last time in 2007 and gained over thirty pounds on top of my already obese weight. I got up to 267 pounds, weighing almost as much as my husband at the time who is not a small man at six-foot-two.

It was a wake-up call. That’s when I came across this “too good to be true” diet called HCG. I knew this was my miracle diet and I was dedicated and followed it to a “tee” based on the information I was given. When I started I weighed 253.6 pounds. I did four rounds. The first was in March, 2010 and the last was in October of the same year. I did homeopathic HCG my first round and then RX sub-lingual drops the remaining three. I got down to 178 and a size 12. I kept most of the weight off for a while considering all the stress I was going through.

The last few months my weight has been quickly rising. I started to do another round of hCG and came across SugarFree’s blog.

SugarFree was kind enough to respond to my cry for help. I got all the blood tests suggested and found that I have hypothyroidism.  I have been hospitalized with pancreatitis five times and had small bouts treated outside the hospital at least twice. The docs in the ER thought at first it was from alcoholism, but I think it’s because my triglycerides have always been extremely high. The highest, not fasting, was at 5,000. The lowest result, fasting, was in July, which was at 167 and that is still too high. My goal is to get healthy. I’m not going to lie: I also want to wear a size ten so I can wear cute clothes without feeling self-conscious. My self-confidence has always been low because of my size. I don’t want to have to worry about that anymore.

My current schedule is a bit outrageous due to a situation out of my control. I get up at 3:45 in the morning and most days do not get home until 8:00 – 9:00 at night. Needless to say, I will need to do a lot of pre-planning for the week to follow the program, but I am committed and ready to jump into the SugarFree Protocol full force. One thing I have to say about myself when I am truly committed to something, I go into it 100%. I’m not saying I won’t make a mistake or two but as with HCG, it’s a learning process and I plan on doing all I need to reach my goals. Happy to get healthy!

Make it a good day!
Kym

Welcome, Kym — we’re so  happy to have you join us. And thank you for sharing so much with ‘virtual’ strangers. I know I speak for many of my readers when I say I’m happy that you’re off HCG for good, and that I’m looking forward to your getting healthy, too. 🙂

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 1 – 9/5/11

Weight: 212.4

Measurements:
Bust: 43″
Waist: 41.5″
Hips: 46″

Morning coffee with 0.75 oz. Heavy Cream

Breakfast/Lunch:
– 8 oz. Pork Loin
– 6 oz. Green Beans
– 0.5 T. Butter
– 0.75 oz. Sour Cream
– 2.5 oz. Red Potatoes

Dinner:
– 8 oz. Greens
– 2 whole egg
– 0.75 oz. Bacon

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 834
– Fat: 51.2 grams (55%)
– Protein: 67.2 grams (32%)
– Carbs: 26.2 grams (13%)

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 94
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 118
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 102

I’m getting the hang of things. I was a little surprised at my glucose readings. I expected them to be a little lower. I’m wondering if I didn’t have enough fat with my potatoes. I was a little hungry around 3:45 when I got home from the movies but I wonder if it was more psychological. I was full before finishing each meal, especially the second one. I used to drink my coffee without the cream. I might try skipping it on Tuesday and adding it with my starchy carb to see if the readings are a bit better.

I had a lot going today to prepare for the week and other chores. I felt a little overwhelmed trying to remember to do everything. I’m sure it will soon become easier. I’m excited to see what the numbers for tomorrow. Until then…

[Note: Yes, there was too little fat with too much starchy carb … for you. At least right now. Good for you for noticing so quickly. 🙂 The hunger came from the same place — especially because you are not yet experiencing lipolysis, and also because you may need more food at your bigger meal; perhaps a salad in addition to the other food. If you keep eating well you should go into lipolysis  the next few days.]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 2 – 9/6

Weight: 209.4 = down 3 pounds

Breakfast:
– 1 oz sourdough bread
– 8 oz 85% lean ground beef
– 7 oz asparagus
– 4 oz spinach

Dinner:
– 4 oz mixed lettuce
– 2 whole egg
– 2 egg whites
– ½ T. mayo

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 835.3
– Fat: 50.5 grams (54%)
– Protein: 70.8 grams (34%)
– Carbs: 24.4 grams (12%)

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 109
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 102

Wow! When I woke up I could already feel my tummy was a little flatter and the scale showed a 3 pound drop since yesterday. I’m very excited considering my blood sugar numbers. I feel great today. I wasn’t hungry until it got close to eating breakfast/lunch. I was super full after and felt slightly bloated. I had a ton of energy today, almost too much. My BG numbers are a little better than yesterday, a little. The Ketostix was still negative today. I’m hoping it’ll show a trace tomorrow. I’m wondering if for now I might need to lower the starchy carb intake even more.

[Note: WOW indeed! However, most of that three pounds is water — but it’s a great start. Once you’ve eliminated all the excess water your body has accumulated (4 water molecules for each gram of carbohydrate) by eating many more carbs than now, all the remaining loss will be fat.

Do not cut down on the starchy carbs; too few for too long a time causes major thyroid hormone hypothyroid. Your BS numbers will remain higher than normal for a while, but will come down as your insulin resistance lessens and your cells become more insulin sensitive. Remember, your metabolism didn’t break in a week or two, and it will take at least that long or longer to heal. Baby steps. :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 3 – 9/7

Weight: 207.2 = down 2.2 pounds

Morning: coffee with .25 oz heavy cream

Breakfast:
– 8 oz pork loin
– 1.5 oz red potato
– 1.5 T. Butter
– 1 oz sour cream
– 4 oz broccoli
– 5 oz artichoke hearts

Dinner:
– 8 oz mixed greens
– 0.75 oz bacon
– 2 egg white
– 1 whole egg

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 831.8
– Fat: 53 grams (57%)
– Protein: 67.9 grams (33%)
– Carbs: 20.8 grams (10%)

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 101
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 102

At the start of day three, I’m down 2.2 pounds making it 5.2 pounds in two days. I felt great this morning considering I get up at 3:45 a.m. My ketostix was still negative this morning. I’m sure lipolysis will come soon. I did start to lose steam around nine this morning. Energy leveled out and I was hungry around 10:30 when I ate. It is more food than you think. I was full 2/3 of the way through my meal. I was still extremely full two hours after eating. Energy picked up after eating though. Usually I feel drained and want a nap after eating a big meal like that.

[Note: Look at how your PP blood sugars have fallen — fantastic! And don’t worry about the ketostix; they are not always indicative of ketosis, since folks who drink a lot of liquid during the day dilute the ketones in the urine. There are other ways to tell: being able to go long hours between meals without hunger. No cravings for sweets. Ketone breath (believe me, you’ll know) and of course — loss of inches around the waist. That means fat loss, which means fat burn, which means lipolysis because the body can’t burn excess adipose fat without it. This is a great start, Kym. :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 4 – 9/8

Weight: 206.8 = down 0.4 pounds

Breakfast:
– 8 oz pork loin
– 1.5 oz red potato
– 1 T. Butter
– 0.5 oz sour cream
– 4 oz broccoli
– 3 oz artichoke hearts
– 1 oz onion
– 4 oz green beans

Dinner:
– 4 oz mixed spring lettuce
– 2 whole egg
– 2 egg white

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 863.7
– Fat: 53.3 grams (56%)
– Protein: 70.2 grams (33%)
– Carbs: 28.8 grams (12%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 100
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 125
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 107

My fasting glucose was high this morning, but I did show a Trace on the Ketostix. I’ve been wracking my brain this morning to figure out why it’s higher than it has been. Without thinking, I did lick the sour cream spoon when preparing my lunch for today. Habit… It was around 8:30/9:00 last night. I’m not really sure. I did get an unsweetened tea from a restaurant. Maybe there was something in that. I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I ate later than normal. I wasn’t able to get my evening meal until 7:00 p.m.

My BG after my big meal is very surprising. After thinking about what I ate, either I didn’t have enough fat with my potato or it is because I took my vitamins with my morning meal. I tend to take them with my afternoon/evening meal but I thought I’d take them early because I got a lot going on and was afraid I’d forget. I also noticed I was really shaky before taking my 1st BG and it lasted for about 45 minutes to an hour. Today was just a really weird day for some reason.

[Note: This is the educational part of the Protocol: Your. Meter. Never. Lies. Nor is it ever ‘weird’. What it is telling you is that you ate something with sugar last night. Since the only thing you had for dinner that you didn’t prepare yourself, it had to be the tea. This is one of the great uses for the meter: a restaurant tells you there’s no sugar in a dish. You eat it, and test it with your meter. If your meter says sugar, there was sugar in that dish no matter what the restaurant told you. It has nothing to do with licking a spoon or eating late.

As for your high PP’s today, you ate it is because you ate the same size potato as yesterday, but with exactly half the fat. Now you know your body won’t let you do that. You’ll either need to cut out the potato if you only have that much fat to eat, or cut it in half, or juggle something else. That’s the beauty of using your meter daily — you always know if you’re okay with what you just ate … or not. To measure your progress in healing your metabolism and becoming more insulin sensitive, eat the same meal three months from now. If your BS doesn’t spike the way it did today, you’re getting better. 🙂

By the way … your loss today was all fat!]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 5 – 9/9

Weight: 205.6 = down 1.2 pounds

Breakfast:
– 0.5 oz sourdough bread
– 8 oz 85% lean ground beef
– 7 oz asparagus
– 3 oz spinach
– 2 oz red pepper

Dinner:
– 1 oz mixed lettuce
– 4 oz spinach
– 2 whole egg
– 2 egg whites
– 0.5 T. mayo
– 1 oz mushrooms
– 1 oz tomatoes

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 832.4
– Fat: 50.8 grams (55%)
– Protein: 71.3 grams (34%)
– Carbs: 22.5 grams (11%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 107
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 102

My fasting glucose was much better this morning. SugarFree knows what she’s talking about! 🙂 The meter never lies. It must have been the supposed “unsweetened” tea. I woke up feeling great. Down another 1.2 pounds and TOM started. Normally my weight spikes at least 2 pounds the day I start. I’m also 5 days early so it was a bit of a surprise.

I wasn’t hungry and almost forgot to eat. I’ve been eating around 10:15. I got busy with work and suddenly realized it was almost 10:30 since I had no hunger pangs.

Lots of energy today with little sleep. I feel great!

[Note: Wow — you’ve lost nearly 7 pounds in 5 days. Can’t wait to see your measurements on Monday!]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 6 – 9/10

Weight: 204.4 = down 1.2 pounds

Breakfast:
– 1.5 oz red potato
– 8 oz 85% lean ground beef
– 1 oz spring mix (lettuce)
– 3 oz spinach
– 2 oz red pepper
– 1 oz onions, sweet
– 1 oz tomato
– 1 oz Avocado Dressing

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1 Avocado
1/8 cup Mayonnaise
Jalapeno Peppers

Dinner:
– 1 oz mixed lettuce
– 4 oz spinach
– 2 whole egg
– 2 egg whites

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 778.7
– Fat: 50.3 grams (58%)
– Protein: 64.3 grams (33%)
– Carbs: 17.2 grams (9%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose: Bad Strips. New ones on order.

Yeah for Saturday! Slept in a bit. Woke up with a ton of energy. Nice to see 1.2 pound drop again… a total of 8 in 6 days. I don’t feel deprived at all. Still super full after the big meal. Love my avocado dressing. I just came up with it one time when I was making taco salad a few months ago so I decided to have one today since I had time. It was delish, even though it was with mostly spinach. Next time I’ll figure the numbers to include some cheese.

Can’t wait to see Monday’s measurements!!! I can feel a difference already in my clothes.

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 7 – 9/11

Weight: 203.8 = down 0.6 pounds

Breakfast:
– 1.5 oz red potato
– 1.75 T butter
– 8 shrimp
– 1 oz onions, sweet
– 4 oz broccoli
– 1 oz sour cream

Dinner:

– 8 oz spinach
– 2 whole egg
– 1 oz cheddar cheese
– 7 oz asparagus

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 820.1
– Fat: 49.7 grams (55%)
– Protein: 72.2 grams (35%)
– Carbs: 21 grams (10%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose: Need new strips

Good day. I woke up with lots of energy. After 7 days, I’m down 8.6 pounds. I put on a pair of shorts today that just last week I wouldn’t wear because they were too snug and was able to comfortably wear them today. It felt great.

I’m bummed that my test strips are bad. My new ones should hopefully be here soon. I love the foods you can eat as compared to what you can have when on HCG. A lot more satisfying and I don’t feel hungry. Tomorrow will be the start of week two and measurements. Stay tuned…

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

Weight: 204.6 = up .8 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 42″ = down 1 inch
Waist: 40″ = down 1.5 inches
Hips: 45″ = down 1 inch

Breakfast:
– 8 oz 85% lean ground beef
– 7 oz asparagus
– 7 oz spinach
– 1 oz mushroom
– 1 oz onion

Dinner:
– 2 oz mixed lettuce
– 2 whole egg
– 2 egg whites
– ½ T. mayo

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 783
– Fat: 50.6 grams (58%)
– Protein: 69.4 grams (35%)
– Carbs: 12.5 grams (6%)

Ketostix: Trace

Not sure about going up in weight but not worried about it. An amazing 3.5 inches have disappeared and that’s what is important. I’m finishing TOM and a woman’s body does crazy things around that time. I know mine does. I also ate late, stayed up later than I should’ve, and got up early. Sleep is very important for dropping the pounds. Stress is a factor too and I’ve been under a lot of that lately. I still feel great considering I only slept five hours.

The new test strips should be delivered this week.

[Note: Kym, the weight gain is 100% water, and to be expected. If you read some of the other participant threads you’ll see this comes up a lot. When you lose a lot of weight — that is to say, fat — in a short period of time, the body replaces the lost fat from the cells with water as a placeholder for the fat it’s sure is coming back.

Sometimes that water replacement is by weight, and sometimes by volume … no one knows exactly why the body chooses which method. When it’s ready, your body will simply dump it. The real story is, as you’ve said, your incredible inch/fat loss this week, and that is fantastic! Your weight/inch loss will likely slow this week, but keeping it all off in Maintenance is the goal. :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 2 – 9/13

Weight: 204.8 = up 0.2 pounds

Breakfast:
– 7 oz beef, chuck, arm pot roast
– 4 oz broccoli
– 7 oz green beans
– 1.5 oz potato
– 1 T butter

Dinner:
– 4 oz mixed lettuce
– 2 whole egg
– 3 egg whites

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 861.6
– Fat: 56.4 grams (59%)
– Protein: 66.2 grams (31%)
– Carbs: 22.3 grams (10%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose: Test strips should be delivered in the next couple of days. Body still catching up to rapid weight reduction.

I woke up a little shaky. Later I had a slight headache and an upset stomach. I feel very tired, but probably more from lack of sleep. I’m up a tiny bit again today. I drank a lot of water yesterday so my ketostix test was probably a little diluted. It still shows “trace” though.

[Note: Next time you wake up shaky, eat a small piece of cheese. It’s likely low blood sugar … but your other symptoms suggest you may be fighting off something. As for the weight gain don’t worry … it’s just water and will come off when your body is ready.]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 3 – 9/14

Weight: 203.2 = down 1.6 pounds

Breakfast:
– 7 oz Pork, fresh, loin, top loin (chops)
– 6 oz broccoli
– 5 oz summer squash, yellow
– 2.5 oz artichoke hearts
– 2.0 oz white corn
– 1 T butter
– 1 T Parmesan cheese

Dinner:
– 2 oz mixed lettuce
– 2 whole egg
– 2 egg whites

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 831.8
– Fat: 51.4 grams (56%)
– Protein: 67.7 grams (33%)
– Carbs: 24.6 grams (12%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose: no strips

I woke up a little shaky again. I ate a bite of cheese as SugarFree suggested and felt much better. I knew today I would have a good release. I’m down 1.6 pounds putting me at 9 pounds gone in as many days. I feel great.

I had lots of energy all day. As usual, could barely finish my big meal. I was full before I even got started on my protein. I didn’t even feel hungry when I ate but needed to get my meal in because I had things to do.

According to the tracking on USPS, my test strips are still in NJ. Ugh! I wish they had the ones I wanted through Amazon Prime where I get 2 day shipping. This is crazy.

[Note: I’m sure they’ll be here soon. Meanwhile — nine pounds in nine days! As I’ve said so many times on this blog, it was NEVER the HCG as the active factor (because it isn’t active in non-pregnant women, except to give you more fat cells) — it was/is the food!]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 4 – 9/15

Weight: 203.4 = up 0.2 pounds

Breakfast:
– 7 oz beef, chuck, arm pot roast
– 6 oz broccoli
– 7 oz summer squash, yellow
– 2.5 oz artichoke hearts
– 1.5 oz potato
– 0.5 T Mayo

Dinner:
– 3 oz mixed lettuce
– 2 whole egg
– 2 egg whites
– 1 T Parmesan cheese

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 792.2
– Fat: 51 grams (58%)
– Protein: 62.9 grams (32%)
– Carbs: 20.4 grams (10%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose: no strips

I wasn’t shaky this morning.  Up a tiny bit today in weight. Yesterday I didn’t drink as much water as usually do, but I woke up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. 🙂

After breakfast, I felt really bloated. Haven’t felt like that since starting protocol. I’ve felt full before but not bloated.  Have a great day everyone!

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 5 – 9/16

Weight: 203.2 = down 0.2 pounds

Breakfast:
– 8 oz 85% Lean Ground Beef (Organic)
– 6 oz spinach
– 7 oz summer squash, yellow
– 2 oz mushrooms
– 2.0 oz potato
– 0.75 T butter
– 1 oz onion

Dinner:
– 4 oz mixed lettuce
– 2 whole eggs
– 3 egg whites

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 849
– Fat: 53.4 grams (57%)
– Protein: 71.0 grams (33%)
– Carbs: 21.1 grams (10%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 74
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 102
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 96

A little shaky this morning. I had just a bite of cheese and was much better after. I finally got my new test strips. I compared them to the other ones and it was an 11 point difference. My old ones said 85 and the new ones 74 for my fasting glucose. Now that I have the correct test strips for my meter we’ll get the true story.

I can’t tell you how much better I feel about myself and I can feel the confidence in my walk. I just feel great about everything even though I am dealing with a very stressful situation. I know that I can make it through. It’s funny how the kinds of food you eat can actually make you feel better emotionally as well.  Another feel good day and it’s Friday!

[Note: Kym, I’m so glad my Protocol could help! On to Maintenance next week. :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 6 – 9/17

Weight: 203.2 = no change

Breakfast:
– 8 oz 85% Lean Ground Beef
– 6 oz spinach
– 7 oz summer squash, yellow
– 2 oz mushrooms
– 2.0 oz potato
– 0.75 T butter
– 1 oz onion

Dinner:
– 4 oz mixed lettuce
– 2 whole eggs
– 3 egg whites

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 849
– Fat: 53.4 grams (57%)
– Protein: 71.0 grams (33%)
– Carbs: 21.1 grams (10%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 80
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 107
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 91

A little shaky again this morning. Otherwise, all is well still. No change in weight. Maintenance is around the corner. I’m a little apprehensive about it because in the past once the actual “diet” is over, the weight comes back. I have confidence in this protocol though and SugarFree’s guidance on how to handle it. It’ll all be good! 😀

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 7 – 9/18

Weight: 203.8 = up 0.6

Breakfast:
– 7 oz pork, loin, chop
– 6 oz broccoli
– 3 oz green beans
– 4 oz artichoke hearts
– 2 oz potato
– 1 T butter

Dinner:
– 3 oz mixed lettuce
– 2 whole eggs
– 3 egg whites
– 0.5 T mayo

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 823.7
– Fat: 49.3 grams (54%)
– Protein: 69.2 grams (34%)
– Carbs: 25.8 grams (12%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 95
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 75

Maintenance starts tomorrow! I’m up a little bit today. I’ve been pretty much holding steady all week as far as weight. I’m pleased with the two weeks on protocol and look forward to maintenance. Measurements will be posted tomorrow. I have lots of energy today and feel great.

There are many things about this protocol that are so much better than being on HCG.  Here are a few:

•       Little to no hunger
•       Foods eaten were actually enjoyable
•       Always super full before even finishing the big meal
•       No fear of touching the “fat” in foods
•       Most importantly… I can still apply lotion!!!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 1 – 9/19

Weight: 204.8 = up 1 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 42″ = no change
Waist: 39.75″ = down .25″ [since starting Protocol = down 1.75″]
Hips: 45″ = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 109
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 93

I’m up a pound today. I don’t think I drank enough water yesterday. I always have a hard time getting my water in on the weekends. It was a bit disappointing. I was hoping to be down one for the first day of maintenance. I felt a bit tired after my first meal. I had twice as much potato than what I’ve been used to.

[Note: Maintenance is NOT for losing weight, it’s for stabilizing the body after losing a lot of pounds and inches. And you’ve lost a lot of both in a short time. 🙂 So it’s important  to understand and accept that your body WILL fill your emptier fat cells with water. There are no exceptions to this for anyone. It’s basic biology, and is based on species survival. If you eat properly on Maintenance — which means not doubling your potato intake, and watching your meter like a hawk and learning from it — you will maintain the loss and allow your body to settle into accepting your new set-point. Once it does that, it will dump the water. That could take a day or two, or a week or two.

Learning from your meter is crucial to this process, because if you allow yourself to have increased blood sugar readings you WILL regain the weight! So if you eat more starchy carbs than usual, AND your meter goes up, reduce or eliminate those types of carbs for the next few days, then add a small amount back in and see how it goes. This is one of the reasons there’s no fruit on the first week of Maintenance. And if you spike when you do eat some, don’t eat any for another week, and then eat half the amount with double the fat.

Also, there’s no correlation between drinking water and weight gain or loss (unless you’re in a race and/or on a desert island). Just drink when you’re thirsty. You may drink water like a fish, but if your body is storing water in your fat cells, it won’t make any difference. Not even a diuretic will work on that type of storage. Your body will only dump it when it’s assured there is sufficient ‘energy’ coming in, and for the ketone-adapted, as are all the Participants, that means eating lots of fat. That won’t happen on the first or maybe even the eighth day of Maintenance — but it WILL happen!]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 2 – 9/20

Weight: 206.2 = up 1.4 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 110
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 106

I’m up a 1.4 pounds. Yikes! But I was told this is normal after the first day of maintenance so I’m trying to not let it scare me. I was feeling a bit sluggish this morning and tired but I’m sure it is from more lack of sleep. Things should slow down after this week so I can get more sleep. I desperately need it.

My 1-hour spiked to 110. I used 2 T. butter on the potato. I did feel a bit bloated about an hour after eating. I’m going to have baguette instead of potato tomorrow (with lots of fat of course) so we’ll see how I do with that…

[Note: I’m pretty sure the spike was due to the processed salad dressing you ate yesterday, which you’ve eliminated today and in the future. I don’t care what labels say — if you spike after eating a food, it contains sugar. If it’s a potato and you ate it with 2 T. butter, next time cut the amount in half and double the fat!

One of the goals of Protocol is to have participants understand that their meters talk to them. If they show a spike, it’s time to go over every single food in that meal until you figure out what could have caused it. Then, eat the same meal again but without that food. If you’re okay, you’ve found the culprit. The meter will be your BF … if you let it. 🙂

Finally, lack of sleep is critical to a healthy metabolism, especially for the insulin resistant. Lack of sleep causes cortisol to rise, which causes insulin to rise, which inhibits lipolysis, which leads to fat storage instead of fat burn. One bad night of sleep, no problem. Long-term sleep deprivation causes a chronic cortisol problem that will not be solved by a single good night’s sleep, unfortunately.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 3 – 9/21

Weight: 204.4 = down 1.8 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 80
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 122
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 124

Yay! Back down 1.8 pounds. Got rid of that water SugarFree was talking about.

But also … ouch! I had 1 oz of bread with my big meal. I checked and double checked for sugar or other disguised sugar ingredients and there were none, just flour, yeast, water, and salt. I have dissected everything and cannot figure it out. I thought it was just the potatoes that hated me. Here’s what I ate:

Breakfast:
6 oz. Tuna
3 T. HELLMAN’S MAYO
2 T. Cream Cheese
2 T. Butter
6 oz. Squash
7 oz. Broccoli
1 oz. Olives
1 oz. French Baguette
1.5 oz. Celery
1 Egg
1 T. Olive Oil

[Note: Mystery of the high (VERY high) blood sugars solved! Turns out it was the Mayo. Aside from the fact that Hellman’s is made with 100% soybean oil (essentially highly chemically processed industrial sludge that’s all Omega-6) that shouldn’t be eaten by anyone, it’s made with SUGAR. If you can’t find a mayo with zero sugar and good Omega-3 oil, make your own. It’s easy and if you make my recipe, which is fermented, it will last a month or more in the fridge. If it lasts that long. :)]

Homemade Fermented Mayonnaise

Unlike regular homemade mayo that only lasts a few days in the fridge, this mayonnaise is slightly fermented and will last for a month or so in the refrigerator. The choice of oil for mayo is crucial. But if you don’t use soybean or vegetable oils (PUFAs) — and you shouldn’t — what’s left?

I use rice bran oil and/or a combo of rice bran and olive oil, either of which is perfect for mayo. Coconut Oil won’t work because as soon as it gets in the fridge it hardens, and all olive oil provides too much flavor in this case. Mayo should be a behind-the-scenes player, not up front and center.

This can be made in minutes in a food processor that has a whipping attachment. Or in a blender. Or with a stick blender used in a long narrow container. Or with a standing or hand-held mixer — or even with a whisk, though that takes a bit longer. However you make it — once you’ve had it you will never go back to store-bought.

TIP: Buy a plastic squeeze bottle that holds 16 ounces and pour your oil into it before making the mayo. It make adding the oil drop by drop — as must be done initially — a breeze. If it’s dishwasher safe, even better.

** ALL ingredients must be at room temperature!

— 2 cups of good oil
— 2 egg yolks, preferably pastured
— 1 tablespoon kosher salt; more to taste
— 1 teaspoon of dry mustard or Grey Poupon
— Pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder
— 2 egg yolks, preferably pastured
— 2 or more tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
— 1 or more tablespoons of vinegar. I use a mix of plain, rice wine, coconut, and apple cider vinegars. Make a mix you enjoy, or use just one.
— 1 drop of liquid sucralose
— 1 or 2 tablespoons of whey from yogurt.

If you make your own yogurt, save the whey you drain from it when you make ‘yogurt cheese’. If not, buy a small cup of plain unflavored organic yogurt. Pour it into a fine sieve balanced over a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and leave overnight in the fridge. In the morning, the whey will be in the bowl and you’ll have delicious ‘yogurt cheese’ in the sieve.

Directions:

1. If making in a food processor with a whipping attachment, add both egg yolks, salt, mustard, pinch cayenne or chipotle powder, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon vinegar.

2. Process until you see an emulsion form, about 10 or 15 seconds.

3. With the processor running, squeeze in a few drops of oil, drop by drop. Drip in more oil until you see the emulsion ‘taking’ the oil. Then squeeze in the oil in a small stream, not too fast.

4. After half the oil is in, stop the processor and add another tablespoon of lemon juice. With the processor running, add another half cup of oil, then taste for seasoning. Add salt and/or a bit more vinegar or lemon juice or both, plus the 1 drop of liquid sucralose.

5. With processor running, add the remaining oil and the whey. Taste for seasoning and thickness of mayo. If it’s too thick, add more lemon juice or even water if you like. The entire process will take less than 10 minutes.

6. Spoon into a very clean glass jar. Let the jar sit out at room temperature for at least 8 hours, or up to 12 hours. Do NOT put it in the fridge at this point, or the good bacteria in the whey cannot populate the jar.

7. After 8 hours (or overnight) refrigerate.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 4 – 9/22

Weight: 205 = up 0.6 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 98
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 113
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 113

Blood sugar numbers are high again today. I’ve been under an extreme amount of stress lately and hope for some relief soon. I need to start taking better care of myself. To start, I need to get some good sleep.

I’m going to take some time over the weekend to create some of my own recipes that fit my daily allowances. I love being creative in the kitchen and it has been difficult in my past life, which contained little fat, to make anything that truly tasted good. I have ordered the oil needed to make the mayonnaise recipe that SugarFree posted and look forward to that. I have made my own mayonnaise in the past but used either canola or vegetable oil. I did try with olive oil and yes, it was a bit too potent since olive oil is so flavorful. Tomorrow is a new day and we will see what the numbers have to say. 😀

[Note: If you’re going to use all olive oil to make the mayonnaise, best not to use Extra Virgin or any other really good version. Use the ‘light’ instead; it’s almost tasteless. That’s one of the reasons I like the rice bran oil … no flavor. Best is 2/3 light OO and 1/3 rice bran.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 5 – 9/23

Weight: 205 = no change

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 93
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 125
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 123

I didn’t have time to make my evening meal so I reluctantly got a salad while out. I had oil and vinegar. This is why you have to be careful when eating out. I just need to plan ahead better. Who knows what was in the vinegar. It shouldn’t have added sugar in it but who knows. The food industry seems to love to add unnecessary ingredients in the foods they make. I did have 2 oz of potatoes but I had a lot of fat with my big meal. I know this because I kinda felt like a grease ball after eating. 😀 I am off work today so I will make sure I have my planned evening meal and hope the numbers in the morning start looking better.

I’m going to try making a small batch of my own mayo until the rice bran oil arrives and have the tuna salad that I had on Wednesday that made my numbers sky-rocket. Stay tuned…

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 6 – 9/24

Weight: 204.6 = down 0.4 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 100
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 94
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 96

Fasting BG was a little high. I did eat late last night and had tomatoes. My other numbers seem to be good below 100. I used homemade mayo this time and look at the difference.

[Note: Wow — a far cry from the 122/124 you had with the Hellman’s. So now you know for sure: The. Meter. Never. Lies. :)]

Everything else is going well. Went to see my grandma for her 80th birthday and then chilling the rest of the day.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 1 – 10/3

Weight: 204.8 = up .2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 42″ = no change
Waist: 40″ = up 0.25 inches
Hips: 45″ = no change

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 100
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 93
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 104

After a week off maintenance due to illness, I’m up only .2 pounds. I’m surprised about the waist measurement since my pants still fit the same they did a week ago. I might still be a little bloated from being ill. I’m feeling good but again the food is overwhelming. It’s a lot more than what I’ve been eating over the past week.

[Note: Welcome back, Kym! Let’s see how the week goes. If the weight continues to rise, and your blood sugars stay this high — and if your inches go up next week as well, it will be time to go back on Protocol for two weeks to get you stabilized again. Being ill and eating differently can definitely throw hormones and the metabolism for a loop. 🙁 ]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 2 – 10/4

Weight: 204.6 = down 0.2 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 92
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 98
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 99

Down .2 pounds today. Woke up feeling good. I’m getting myself back into the sing of things after a week hiatus. We’ll see how the week goes if I’ll need to go back on protocol. Have a great day!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 3 – 10/5

Weight: 203.6 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 97
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 115
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 112

I’m down a pound today! Today is my last day of antibiotics. I’m so grateful. I really despise taking pharmaceuticals but take them when necessary. I was in a hurry this morning and forgot a couple of lunch foods. Always so much going on! I feel great. Wide awake and full of energy.

Eating this way is so satisfying. When I eat my lunch at work, everyone always seems to surround me to find out what I’m having. It’s funny because when I tell them they say stuff like: “That sounds awesome!” or “Yummy,” and then in the same breath they say “A heart attack waiting to happen.” I tell them I eat like this all the time and I’ve been maintaining my weight loss. Then they go heat up their frozen meal or make a trip to a fast food joint. And I sit here and enjoy every last bite!

My BG numbers seem high. I didn’t eat the cheese and tomatoes that were originally on my lunch menu. Could that have made it wonky? I had 3 T. butter with my potato. The ribeye did have a seasoning on it that my boyfriend made for us the other night but I checked the bottle and it did not say it had sugar in it or any of the known “aka”s that I’m aware of. Could it be the antibiotics? I wasn’t thinking and took one within the two-hour period after eating.

[Note: It could be the antibiotics. It could be the recovering from illness. Both might be raising cortisol. Now that you’re off them, let’s see if your body can simmer down and get back on track. We’ll be able to tell based on your blood sugars, and your measurements on Monday. Meanwhile, enjoy your food safe in the knowledge that the “heart attacks waiting to happen” are the very people eating the fast food. Maybe you should buy a copy of Gary Taubes’ Why We Get Fat: And What To Do About It and leave it in the lunchroom. :)]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 4 – 10/6

Weight: 203.2 = down 0.4 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 100
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 120
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 115

Fasting BG is kind of high. My poor body has been through so much in the last couple of weeks. Hopefully all will settle next week and we’ll see better numbers. My boss brought donuts today and they don’t even look appetizing to me. I’ve never really been a big donut fan anyway. I’ve always gone more for savory than sweet. Now if they were White Castles, then I might have a problem.

I was late getting my 1 hour reading because I was in a meeting away from my desk and didn’t have my meter with me. Wow it skyrocketed! It must’ve been the bread. I guess I won’t be having that kind of bread again. I checked the ingredients on the label and I didn’t see any sugars but the meter never lies. I am really shaky too. The 2 hour reading isn’t much better. I need to learn how to make my own bread so I know what’s in it.

On a happier note, I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers at work that put a smile on my face.

[Note: Yay for the flowers … Boo for the bread because yes, it was the bread. Even if it had no sugar in it at all (which I doubt), it was too much for YOU to eat at one time. Making bread is so easy, and far more delicious than anything you can buy. Give it a try!]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 5 – 10/7

Weight: 202.6 = down 0.6 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 94
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 126
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 115

Lesson learned: Do not cook your meat with your starchy food and then eat the “gravy!”

Two days in a row my BG was extremely high after eating this. SugarFree and I discussed it and realized this must have been the cause of my spike yesterday. I’d prepared my lunch for today prior to this discovery and had no time to change it. I thought it would be a good test to see if it was the bread I ate with it, or the cooking method that added starch to the juices, which gave me extra, not accounted for carbs.

Voila! BG numbers were sky-high again. THE METER NEVER LIES!! I am going to try the bread again tomorrow with a different protein that isn’t cooked with potatoes and see how that goes. (I really loved the bread!!! I want to know I can have a slice once in a while.) I sent the list of ingredients for the bread to SugarFree and none of them were sugar in any form.

Also, I felt great before lunch. Loads of energy. Got that pep back in my step and after I felt bloated and tired. I felt like I just never want to eat again. It’s all a learning process to what your body can handle and everyone is different. I see others who are following the same program who eat more starches than I do and have great BG numbers. I’m not one of the lucky ones. Not yet anyway. I have some mending to do! 😀

And, for those of you out there not using Kerrygold Butter, I highly recommend it. It is the best tasting butter I have ever had. It is as good as some I remember making when I was little. Thanks for the recommendation, SugarFree!!

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. The weather is going to be picture perfect where I am.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 6 – 10/8

Weight: 201.4 = down 1.2 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 95
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 112
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 102

My numbers were still a little high but better than the last couple of days with the cooking method of the meat I was eating. I had bread today. I’m going to try potato tomorrow. We’ll see. Back to enjoying the weekend!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 3 – 10/12

Weight: 205.6 = up 4.2 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 106
– 1-hour PP (after dinner): 108
– 2-hour PP (after dinner): 103

So, after getting sidetracked for a couple of days, everything is out of whack. My weight is up and my fasting glucose is high. It sure doesn’t take long. Not worried though because I’m back to eating the right things and the water gain will soon go away. I did take my measurements on Monday:

Bust: 42” = no change
Waist: 39.75” = down 0.25 inches
Hips: 44.75” = down 0.25 inches

Another side effect from getting sidetracked and not eating appropriately: I’m starving! I’m usually just kind of hungry when it gets close to lunchtime. Today, I could’ve chewed my own arm off.

I had my big meal in the evening. My 1 and 2 hour pp are still high but better than some of the previous reports.

Have a great night and Go Cards!!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 4 – 10/13

Weight: 203.6 = down 2 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 100
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 109
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 105

I knew the numbers on the scale would go back down after a day of being back on track. I had my big meal in the evening and my fasting glucose is still lower than what it was yesterday morning. I’m having my big meal early today.

Bacon beware! Why oh why must you put sugar in bacon? I LOVE bacon and haven’t been able to find bacon that doesn’t have some sort of sugar. I usually buy it from a local market. It didn’t have the ingredients on the package so I asked them if it has sugar in it. They checked and sure enough it has sugar in it! Why? Where can I get bacon that has NO SUGAR?

1-hour and 2-hour numbers are still high after my big meal. I’m not sure why. I had plenty of fat with my starchy carb. I actually felt great before and after eating. Lots of energy. Been really busy at work so the extra energy helps get through the day. Have a great day!

[Note: Kym, it’s almost impossible to find bacon without sugar in a local market. Either try Whole Foods or, better yet, go to a real butcher (remember them?) and ask for a smoked pork belly. Have them slice it for you. They’re smoked but not cured, which means no sugar … and they are absolutely delicious since they have twice as much fat as bacon.

As for your high PP numbers, they’re either from sugar you ate when you went ‘off track’ or they might be from stress. Either way, they should start going down again in the next day or two.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 5 – 10/14

Weight: 203 = down 0.6 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 100
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 103
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 102

My numbers are slightly better today but still high. Maybe they’ll be good in a few more days. Just gotta keep healing and stop getting off track. Old habits are so easy to fall back into but no more for me. This will be my new way of eating for life.

I called a butcher about the pork belly SugarFree suggested and they do not keep it in stock; however, the owner is going to buy a pig in a week and said he’ll check on a price but I would have to buy a minimum of 10 pounds. Hmm. We’ll see. I’m going to keep looking around.

I am in a great mood! Lots of energy again today. All is well. No more stressing the small stuff for me anymore! Have a wonderful weekend!

[Note: Looks like all the water gain is gone; hopefully lipolysis will soon follow. 🙂 As for smoked pork belly, you may need to call a few butchers before you find what you need. I usually go to an ethnic butcher (Portuguese, Hispanic or Asian) for them since it’s a food that is regularly eaten by those populations. And if you have a Whole Foods near you, you can get their regular (non-smoked) pork belly, and braise it in the oven for a few hours after searing, and eat with greens (collard or beet) and sweet potato. Heaven on a plate.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 7 – 10/16

Weight: 202.4 = down 0.6 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 93
– 1-hour PP (after dinner): 103
– 2-hour PP (after dinner): 98

I’m not feeling too well today. Stomach problems again. I wasn’t able to eat all my food at lunch. Hope I start feeling better soon. Have a great day everyone!

[Note: Kym, hope this isn’t the start of another diverticulitis round. 🙁 Feel better soon!]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 1 – 10/17

Weight: 202 = down .6 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 42″ = no change
Waist: 39.5″ = down .25″
Hips: 44.75″ = no change

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 96
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 111
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 111

My lunch was so awesome I’m going to have the same tomorrow. Waist is down another .25 inches and i can tell when wearing my jeans. I love it and feel great. Feeling much better today than yesterday as far as my stomach problems. Still a few issues but I was able to eat all my food at lunch today. Make every day a great day!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 2 – 10/18

Weight: 202.6 = up 0.6 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 90
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 109
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 111

I woke up with a headache this morning a felt lethargic for most of the day. It could be because of the rainy weather… Hopefully I’m not coming down with something. SugarFree and I spoke about my numbers after lunch yesterday, since I blithely wrote in my report that my meal tasted so good I was going to eat it again. SugarFree rightly pointed out that I had paid no attention to my meter when I said that, when in fact it was telling me NOT to eat that same meal. She suggested I do a test instead to find out the cause, and said to start by eating the same meal minus the cream cheese. Trader Joe’s does put fillers into their dairy. I ate the same meal without the cream cheese, and my numbers still spiked.

SugarFree asked what seasoning had gone on the meat, so I confronted the “grill master” who cooked the pork — only to discover that after I told him what seasoning I could have, he sprinkled on an additional ‘blend’ and forgot to tell me. He said he checked for sugar and didn’t see any. I explained that it comes in many forms.

[Note: Sugar is often hidden in seasoning blends … but whether it was the cream cheese (only a separate test will tell) or the seasoning (more likely), you DID have sugar. You know that because The. Meter. Never. Lies. :)]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 3 – 10/19

Weight: 201.8 = down 0.8 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 94
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 104
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 99

I still had a really bad headache when I got home yesterday and ended up taking a couple of Aleve that did wonders. Feel great this morning. No more headache and slept through the night. Another rainy day. Felt great and then a little sleepy after lunch. Game 1 of the World Series tonight. Let’s go Cardinals!!!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 4 – 10/20

Weight: 202.2 = up 0.4 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 107
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

Another day in Paradise! Busy, busy, busy… I’m going to try pasta tomorrow making a mac and cheese with butter, cheese, and heavy cream. We’ll see what the meter says.

[Note: As Kym and I discussed after she posted … the meter already says ‘no’ to either pasta or potato. And it will continue to say no until the one hour PP reads 100 or less. Hopefully that will be soon.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 5 – 10/21

Weight: 202.4 = up 0.2 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

I did not have the mac and cheese as planned. I did not have any starchy carb and my numbers are lower than what they have been. It’s Friday! Have a great weekend everyone!!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 6 – 10/22

Weight: 202.2 = down 0.2 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 87

Go Cardinals!!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 7 – 10/23

Weight: 202.8 = up 0.6 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 95
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

I woke up not felling well. I hope it doesn’t stick around. Back to work — and Protocol, Round 2 — tomorrow. Hard to believe I’ve been on Maintenance for over a month.

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 1 – 10/24

Measurements:
Bust: 42″ = no change
Waist: 39.75″ = no change
Hips: 45″ = no change

Weight: 204.8 = up 2 pounds

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 6 oz arm roast
– 8 oz asparagus
– 4 oz broccoli
– 2 whole eggs
– 2 oz artichoke hearts
– 1 egg white

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 2 egg whites
– 1 whole egg

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 844.8
– Fat: 56.4 grams (60%)
– Protein: 69 grams (33%)
– Carbs: 15.3 grams (7%)

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 103
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 104

I am up 2 pounds today. I did some “unconscious” eating yesterday afternoon while at a friend’s house. We were just gabbing away and she brought out a bowl of chips and without really thinking about it, I had already eaten some. Then, how my mind works, I figured I already screwed up so I ate more. Then reality check set in and I realized I was doing what I always do: Mess up and then just continue messing up. I stopped and felt guilty about what I had done and knew when I got on the scale in the morning it would tell my story.

Today is a new day and I’m back on protocol. I will put that behind me and move forward and be more conscious with my actions. The weight gain is water and it will dump itself in a couple of days or less. My lunch was very filling and I wasn’t hungry all morning until it got close to lunch time. I had lots of energy before and after lunch.

My goal for this round is to be less than 200 pounds and to lose at least five or more inches total.

I’m surprised at my 1 and 2 hour PPs. I did do a spot check about 1.5 hours before eating just for the heck of it and my meter read 101 without eating anything. I had my coffee with only stevia, no cream. I checked my stevia ingredients, which I’ve been using all along, after having a reading over 100 before eating. I use 2 different kinds. Here are the ingredients of each:

Now Brands “Better Stevia”: vegetable glycerine, certified organic stevia extract and natural French vanilla flavor (in alcohol base)

SweetLeaf liquid English toffee: Stevia and natural flavors (whatever that is…)

Tomorrow I am going to skip the Now Brands to see if that is the culprit. It could also be a reaction to my chip binge yesterday… but we know it’s something because the meter doesn’t lie!

[NOTE: Do you remember when you asked me if you could have Stevia, and I said “ONLY if it is pure, unflavored liquid Stevia, and only once a day.” Instead, it seems you’ve been having sugar all along, which explains a lot. Because glycerine IS a sugar alcohol and in the bodies of the insulin resistant acts exactly like sugar. And “vanilla/natural flavor” contains sugar as well. So, Kiddo … you’re now on the wagon. 🙂 For the next six months — NO stevia of any kind.]

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 2 – 10/25

Weight: 204.4 = down 0.4 pounds

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 6 oz 85% lean ground beef
– 7 oz cauliflower
– 4 oz broccoli
– 2 whole eggs
– 3 oz mushrooms
– 1 egg white

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 egg white
– 1 whole egg

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 793.2
– Fat: 52.4 grams (60%)
– Protein: 63.9 grams (32%)
– Carbs: 16.5 grams (8%)

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 95
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 94

The numbers aren’t as good as I hoped for but are better. I didn’t get much sleep. Woke up feeling bloated, tired, and cranky. I didn’t get much better as the day went on. I did make it with no Stevia or any other sweetener. The coffee wasn’t too bad without it. I think it’s something I can get used to.

[Note: Kym, although you’ve technically been on Protocol/Maintenance for six weeks, you really haven’t been on it at all until today. That’s because you’ve been eating (hidden) sugar all this time. As a result, you are now feeling the sugar withdrawal effects that most participants go through in their first week. It will pass by week’s end, or early next week — so stick with it. This is why NO CHEATS of any kind must be your mantra for the next fourteen days. And you can do it! :)]

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 3 – 10/26

Weight: 203 = down 1.4 pounds

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 6 oz pot roast
– 7 oz cauliflower
– 4 oz broccoli
– 1 whole egg
– 3 oz mushrooms
– 1 egg white

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 2 egg whites
– 1 whole egg

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 779.2
– Fat: 51.6 grams (60%)
– Protein: 62.4 grams (32%)
– Carbs: 16.3 grams (8%)

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 93
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 88

Sleep was non-existent for me last night. I dozed off a couple of times but no real sleep. I have no idea why. Hopefully I will sleep well tonight. Even without any sleep, I still feel wide awake for now.

[Note: Two things are going on simultaneously: you’re going through sugar withdrawal, and you’re finally starting to burn meaningful fat, which is like eating several meals during the night. You literally have energy to burn. :)]

I was hungry about an hour prior to eating. Once I ate I was really full. My numbers seem to be improving since stopping stevia. I will admit I still miss it but I’m still alive without it. 😀

My other goal I forgot to mention Monday is to get back into my size 12 jeans. When I started, my size 14’s were causing a lovely muffin top. Now, it’s almost gone and the 14’s are loose on me, even around the legs. I know I’m losing more inches than just the 3 measurements I take because I can feel it in my clothes. AND, for the first time ever I bought a pair of tall boots! I have never been able to wear them because my calves have always been too big for them to zip up. I tried on a pair for the heck of it and they zipped right up and I bought them! 😉

[Note: Good for you! My calves were once so fat I had to buy double extra wide boots. While dumping my fat clothes out of the closet once and for all a few weeks ago, I came across them and tried them on. I could have put two calves into one boot! And so it will go with you. :)]

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 4 – 10/27

Weight: 201.2 = down 1.8 pounds

Lunch:
– 1 T butter
– 6.5 oz 85% ground beef
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz broccoli
– 1 whole egg
– 3 egg white

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 whole egg

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 785.9
– Fat: 53.9 grams (62%)
– Protein: 63 grams (32%)
– Carbs: 12.2 grams (6%)

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 107
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 97

I am shocked with my 1 and 2-hour PP’s. The only thing that might have caused this were the green beans. Prior to lunch all I had was black coffee and water. I am at a loss.

I did get more sleep last night. I felt awake all day and plenty of energy. My ketostix is still reading Negative, but I am down 1.8 pounds today.  Game 6 tonight. Go Cards!!!

[Note: Kym, it’s probably nothing more than stress or TOM coming on or maybe even walking a bit more briskly. Given your other great numbers … getting better every day …. and decent weight loss (finally!), please do NOT worry about it. Enjoy the fact that things are finally moving forward. :)]

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 5 – 10/28

Weight: 200.2 = down 1 pound

Lunch:
– 1.5 T butter
– 6 oz Pork
– 7 oz cauliflower
– 4 oz broccoli
– 3 oz mushrooms
– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg white

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 whole egg
– 1 egg white

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 778.9
– Fat: 50.9 grams (59%)
– Protein: 63.9 grams (33%)
– Carbs: 16.3 grams (8%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 95
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 92

I’m down one pound… thought it might be a little more than that but still happy. I didn’t get much sleep because I stayed up to watch the World Series. I got about 4 – 4 ½ hours of sleep and there’s another game tonight! Unbelievable.

My lunch was delicious. My numbers are looking good. I sure do miss all the delicious fat you get when on maintenance. Still, I’m not really hungry. It’s Friday. The weekend is here!! Have a good one!

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 6 – 10/29

Weight: 198.4 = down 1.8 pounds

Lunch:
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 whole egg
– 1 egg white

Dinner:
– 1.5 T butter
– 6 oz Pork, fresh, loin, center rib (chops), bone-in, separable lean and fat
– 3 oz cauliflower
– 4 oz broccoli
– 3 oz mushrooms
– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg white
– 1 oz potato

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 764.8
– Fat: 50.8 grams (60%)
– Protein: 62.1 grams (32%)
– Carbs: 14.8 grams (8%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 97
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 87

I ended up having my big meal for dinner because of scheduling. It’s been a great day! Not much sleep last night. Cardinals won the World Series!

Added potato today and it looks like I did well with it. I’ll try again tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

[Note: Fantastic news all the way around, Kym — and you’re finally in Onederland. 🙂 I remember how great I felt when the scale finally fell into the 100’s. I still had over fifty pounds to go at that stage, but it was a tremendous feeling nonetheless. I hope readers who may be using the flavored stevia take note of your progress once you stopped using it, and toss that sugar-filled junk away.]

Protocol Round 2, Week 1, Day 7 – 10/30

Weight: 199.2 = up 0.8 pound

Lunch:
– 1.5 T butter
– 6 oz Pork, fresh, loin, center rib (chops), bone-in, separable lean and fat
– 3 oz cauliflower
– 4 oz broccoli
– 3 oz mushrooms
– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg white
– 1 oz potato

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 whole egg
– 1 egg white

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 764.8
– Fat: 50.8 grams (60%)
– Protein: 62.1 grams (32%)
– Carbs: 14.8 grams (8%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 104
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

Numbers are slightly higher, weight is up a bit… It is probably because of TOM. Good news is that I’m still in Onederland and that feels great AND yesterday I put on one of my size 12 jeans and comfortably wore them. 😀

I’m feeling good today. I wouldn’t say I have tons of energy but just the right amount. The other good thing is that I’m not experiencing the horrible cramps that I usually do this time of month. Could it be related to my healthier eating and removal of sugar? I think so. Have a great Sunday!!

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 1 – 10/31

Measurements:
Bust: 41.5″ = down .5″
Waist: 39″ = down .5″
Hips: 44″ = down 1″

Weight: 198 = down 1.2 pounds

Lunch:
– 1.5 T butter
– 5.5 oz Pork
– 3 oz green beans
– 4 oz broccoli
– 6 oz asparagus
– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg white

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg white

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 769.2
– Fat: 52.4 grams (61%)
– Protein: 60 grams (31%)
– Carbs: 14.4 grams (8%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

My numbers were a bit elevated yesterday so SugarFree eliminated my starchy carb today. The numbers are below 100. I’m going to try a different starchy carb tomorrow since I’ve been stuck on potatoes.

I felt pretty good all day. Lunch was very filling. I had been using all the butter while cooking it. Today I tried using half when cooking and the other half I let melt over the hot food. It was really good that way. Today is the start of week two and as of this morning I am down 6.8 pounds since the start of this round. And still loving Onederland!

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 2 – 11/1

Weight: 199 = up 1 pound

Lunch:
– 1.5 T butter
– 3 oz Pork, fresh, loin
– 2.5 oz Beef, chuck
– 4 oz broccoli
– 4 oz Brussels sprouts
– 1 whole egg
– 1 egg white
– 1 oz corn

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg white

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 772.8
– Fat: 52 grams (60%)
– Protein: 59.2 grams (31%)
– Carbs: 17 grams (9%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 78
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 94

Yesterday I was down 1.2 pounds and today I’m up 1 pound… What the ???? I don’t get it. My glucose numbers were okay. My fasting glucose this morning is the second lowest reading since I started back in September. I do remember late yesterday feeling as if my body was suddenly “filling” up and got that bloated feeling. I did drink a lot of water because I felt thirsty constantly. Water was the only thing I had to drink No coffee or tea.

I did feel a bit woozy this morning after my shower but it didn’t last very long. I sat for a couple of minutes and then was okay. Then after lunch, I felt a little tired. Eyes were heavy. Energy picked up again about an hour and a half to 2 hours after eating. I thought it odd my 2-hour PP was higher than my one hour and I thought my 1-hour was low in comparison to other days I’ve had a starchy carb. Everything has been odd today.

[Note: Kym, if you go back and read all the other participant threads you’ll see they’ve all asked the same thing: “How come I’m up on the scale today?”  And if you read my answers, you’ll see I say the same thing to each one of them: “This is perfectly normal. It’s water weight. Whenever you lose a significant amount of fat (and you’re finally losing inches), the brain ALWAYS inserts water into the thinner fat cells as a place-holder. It is hoping that you will soon add the back that missing fat. When you don’t, the brain will shrug and finally release the water. Could be a day, could be a week, could be a month.

This is why THE SCALE LIES. It tells you nothing. If you cut off an arm the scale would say you were thinner. Would you be thinner? No, you’d only be missing an arm. Your waist size would be exactly the same as it was when you had an arm. In other words, like your meter, only the tape measure tells the truth. As for a 2-pt different in blood sugar, that’s within statistical insignificance. Your blood sugars look great! [Now. :D]

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 3 – 11/2

Weight: 199.8 = up 0.8 pounds

Lunch:
– 1.5 T butter
– 5.5 oz Pork
– 4 oz asparagus
– 4 oz broccoli
– 4 oz Brussels sprouts
– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg white

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg white

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 782.6
– Fat: 52.6 grams (61%)
– Protein: 61 grams (31%)
– Carbs: 16.3 grams (8%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 78
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 102

I’m feeling discouraged. Is it the water thing still? I’m up almost 2 pounds in as many days and bordering that 200 mark again. My numbers are borderline considering I did not have a starchy carb today.

[Note: Kym, it’s scary, but I’m afraid you just have to accept the fact that you are normal and just like everyone else. 🙂 Please read the threads of the other participants, who have gone through exactly the same thing as you are going through now. You’ve lost pounds of fat and are likely to gain several pounds of water. Which of course your gain is, since it is BIOLOGICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GAIN POUNDS OF FAT IN TWO DAYS. When your body is convinced you’re no longer eating the sugar required to raise your insulin and store fat, it will release the water. That can take days or weeks. Please just accept this and move on knowing you are gaining weight but NOT fat! Your tape measure will prove this truth on Monday.]

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 4 – 11/3

Weight: 198.6 = down 1.2 pounds

Lunch:
– 1.5 T butter
– 6 oz 85% ground beef
– 5 oz asparagus
– 4 oz broccoli
– 2 oz artichoke hearts
– 3 oz mushrooms
– 1 whole egg
– 1 egg white

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg white

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 780.5
– Fat: 53.2 grams (61%)
– Protein: 61.7 grams (31%)
– Carbs: 16 grams (8%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 87
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

Well looky here… down 1.2 pounds today. I always tell myself I’m not going to let the scale dictate my mood but it happens anyway. It’s definitely a psychological thing I need to work on. Got myself all worked up over nothing. I have read the other threads and know it is water, but then fear takes over and all sense goes out the window.

I had plenty of energy today and am wide awake. I still have not used any sweetener of any kind. I still sometimes miss it but am getting through without it. My numbers seem to be okay. I am going to try another starchy carb tomorrow. Bread. Have a good day everyone!

[Note: I’d never say =cough= told you =cough= so. :D]

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 5 – 11/4

Weight: 198 = down 0.6 pounds

Lunch:
– 1.5 T butter
– 7 oz pork butt
– 3 oz green zucchini
– 3 oz yellow squash
– 4 oz broccoli
– 2 oz mushrooms
– 1 oz bread

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 2 whole eggs

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 823.8
– Fat: 59 grams (64%)
– Protein: 51.3 grams (25%)
– Carbs: 21.9 grams (11%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 76
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 102

I had lots of energy today. It was a bit of a stressful morning dealing with work stuff. My 2 hour PP went up 5 points. I did go out for a walk between readings to enjoy what will be one of the last few nice days until the cold really sets in. I feel really good today.

[Note: Any exercise will increase BS, even slightly, which is why Type 2 Diabetics must increase their insulin dose to account for it. Had you taken a 3-hr PP your BS would have been back down to normal. BTW — look how great you did with the bread. No spikes! :)]

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 6 – 11/5

Weight: 197 = down 1 pound

Lunch:
– 2 oz artichoke hearts
– 2 whole eggs
– 4 oz broccoli

Dinner:
– 1.5 T butter
– 5 oz chuck roast
– 2 oz green zucchini
– 2 oz yellow squash
– 2 oz Brussels sprouts
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 oz potato

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 733.5
– Fat: 53.1 grams (65%)
– Protein: 45.1 grams (25%)
– Carbs: 18.8 grams (10%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 103
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

My one hour didn’t look too good but the two-hour really dropped. As usual busy weekend; don’t have time to say much. I did go to Trader Joe’s this morning though and got a bigger variety of foods to try. Maintenance starts Monday. Stocked up on Kerrygold butter!

Protocol Round 2, Week 2, Day 7 – 11/6

Weight: 197 = no change

Lunch:
– 2 whole eggs
– 4 oz broccoli

Dinner:
– 1.5 T butter
– 7 oz New York Strip
– 4 oz asparagus
– 3 oz mushrooms
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 oz baguette

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 777.6
– Fat: 48.8 grams (56%)
– Protein: 60.1 grams (31%)
– Carbs: 24.5 grams (13%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 101

Had lots of energy today. Got a lot done around the house. Had an awesome meal. My 2- hour was higher than my 1 hour again? I will be going on a mini-vacation for my birthday this week so I’ll be staying on protocol. I leave Wednesday afternoon and will be back sometime Saturday.

[Note: Kym, when your 2-hr PP goes up by at least 5 points, that’s an indication that your insulin production and/or effectiveness was not up to the task of dealing with the rate of carb conversion to glucose. In this case it was most likely caused by the bread and when that happens it’s best to lay off the starchy carbs for a day. As you’ve seen with your reports, your metabolism is getting better and better at dealing with this, but some flours (and rices, corn, etc) convert to glucose faster than others. Your trusty meter tells you which ones do that, so you don’t have to guess.

In the meantime — I hope you have a fabulous vacation and wonderful Birthday! :)]

Protocol Round 2, Week 3, Day 1 – 11/7

Measurements:
Bust: 41.5″ = no change
Waist: 38.75″ = down .25″
Hips: 43″ = down 1″

Weight: 196.8 = down .2 pounds

Lunch:
– 6 oz salmon
– 1.5 T butter
– 4 oz broccoli
– 2 oz goat cheese
– 2 oz spinach
– 2 oz artichoke hearts

Dinner:
– 2 oz arugula
– 3 oz lettuce
– 2 oz spinach
– 2 T parmesan
– 0.5 T olive oil

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 700.6
– Fat: 49.4 grams (64%)
– Protein: 54.9 grams (31%)
– Carbs: 9.1 grams (5%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

I had so much energy today. I could hardly sit still which is difficult when you have a desk job with your nose in a computer. My weight is down only .2 pounds but look the inches lost. I lost one whole inch off my hips in just this last week. I knew it would be a good number just by seeing how my pants have been loosening up around the hips and thighs. I sometimes can’t help looking down while walking seeing the loose material in my jeans.

I skipped my starchy carb because of yesterday’s two hour reading. I did well today. We’ll try a starchy carb again tomorrow.

I was going to have my large meal in the evening but SugarFree told me “your metabolism needs to get into lipolysis, and eating your big meal in the evening prevents that.” So I made arrangements to eat my big meal at work. I don’t like to stink up the floor with re-heated fish so I ate my salmon cold. It wasn’t bad. I’m going to try rice tomorrow for my starchy carb. I haven’t had it in a long time. Hope everyone is having a fabulous Monday!

[Note: Kym, you are really starting to burn up that fat – well done! No wonder you had so much energy today. 🙂 A suggestion for the salmon: Try smoked salmon instead, cold or hot smoked. Nothing to heat up and it always smells delicious.]

Protocol Round 2, Week 3, Day 2 – 11/8

Weight: 196.8 = no change

Lunch:
– 6 oz New York Strip
– 1.25 T butter
– 4 oz broccoli
– 2 oz goat cheese
– 4 oz spinach
– 8 oz asparagus
–1.5 oz cooked brown rice

Dinner:
– 2 oz arugula
– 3 oz lettuce
– 1 T parmesan
– 0.5 T olive oil

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 806.7
– Fat: 53.9 grams (60%)
– Protein: 57.6 grams (29%)
– Carbs: 22.8 grams (11%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

Ketostix was on the verge of small but still more on the trace side. Numbers aren’t too bad after having rice. I had tons of energy this morning and ate lunch later than usual because of work schedule. I felt very full after eating lunch.

I also had arugula last night as part of my salad and really enjoyed it. There is a recipe I found for an arugula pesto I might try sometime.

Protocol Round 2, Week 3, Day 3 – 11/9

Weight: 196.6 = down 0.2 pounds

Lunch:
– 8.4 oz crab meat
– 1 oz homemade mayo
– 2 oz celery
– 2 oz red pepper
– 1 whole egg
– 1 T butter
– 4 oz broccoli
– 4 oz spinach
– 5 oz asparagus
– 3 oz mushrooms

Dinner:
– 2 oz arugula
– 3 oz lettuce
– 1 T parmesan
– 0.5 T olive oil

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 750.9
– Fat: 52.5 grams (63%)
– Protein: 51.5 grams (27%)
– Carbs: 18.1 grams (10%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 83
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 100

I only got about 3 hours of sleep last night. I just could not sleep. Also, my dinner didn’t agree with me or something. My stomach was rumbling all night long. My fasting glucose has been consistent. My weight loss has leveled off. Even with no sleep I still feel energized… not like I was the past two days, but still eyes wide open.

Wow! What happened with my 2-hour?? Was the 1-hour a false reading? I did not have a starchy carb today. I did have red bell peppers. They may have been the culprit. I know it wasn’t the mayo this time because I made my own and there is NO sugar, not even sweetener of any sort. Just egg, rice bran oil, lemon juice, paprika, and dry mustard. I have to say I was shocked when I took the reading. I was actually excited after my one-hour that it was going to be good.

I will be on vacation until Saturday so will not be reporting until either Saturday or Sunday depending on when we get back. Have a great week!

[Note: Kym, your 1-hr PP wasn’t false. It’s just that your insulin wasn’t quite sufficient to handle the glucose conversion of the red bell pepper. It’s a veggie, so its carbs convert to sugar slower than sugar or white bread, but it’s a veggie (like tomato and onion) that has a lot of natural sugar. That’s why I say only 1 ounce at a time of any of those three. I was going to change your menu to 1 ounce but decided to leave it so you could see the effects for yourself. And good for you — you did! 🙂 Now go off and have a FABULOUS vacation!]

Protocol Round 2, Week 4, Day 1 – 11/14

Weight: 198.2 = up 1.6 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 41.5″ = no change
Waist: 38.75″ = no change
Hips: 43″ = no change

Lunch:
– 8 oz fish
– 4 oz kale
– 1.5 T butter
– 4 oz broccoli
– 5 oz asparagus
– 2 oz mushrooms
– 2 oz artichoke hearts
– 2 oz goat cheese

Dinner:
– 1 whole egg
– 3 oz lettuce
– 0.5 T olive oil

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 691.8
– Fat: 43 grams (56%)
– Protein: 60.9 grams (35%)
– Carbs: 15.3 grams (9%)

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 94
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 83
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

7-Day Average: 96
14-Day Average: 93
30-Day Average: 94

I’m back! Vacation was awesome! The eating part was difficult for me eating out every day. You make the best choice you can with what’s available. I tried to make all the right choices but sometimes what they give you isn’t what you thought. One example is greens I ordered. I thought they’d be safe but after one bite I could totally tell there was sugar in them. I stopped eating them immediately. It’s amazing how your taste buds can pick out sugar so easily after being without it for so long. I also ended up with balsamic vinegar instead of regular vinegar.

It’s difficult out there, especially when you’re a food addict like me. I had no problem staying away from sweets and any other sugary foods. I did overdo the starchy carbs a bit. My 7, 14, and 30 day average meter numbers (above) showed it. I am so glad to have home cooked meals again and know what’s in them.

[Note: Kym, welcome back! With even one day of Protocol eating your BS numbers are much better than your averages.]

Protocol Round 2, Week 4, Day 2 – 11/15

Weight: 197.6 = down 0.6 pounds

Lunch:
– 8 oz pork butt
– 1 T butter
– 4 oz broccoli
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz spinach

Dinner:  2 whole eggs

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 782.3
– Fat: 57.5 grams (66%)
– Protein: 55.3 grams (28%)
– Carbs: 10.9 grams (6%)

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

I don’t think green beans like me. I felt bloated after lunch.

Protocol Round 2, Week 4, Day 3 – 11/16

Weight: 197= down 0.6 pounds

Lunch:
– 6 oz arm roast
– 1 T butter
– 4 oz broccoli
– 1 oz red pepper
– 4 oz spinach
– 8 oz summer squash

Dinner:  2 whole eggs

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 724
– Fat: 52.7 grams (65%)
– Protein: 50.5 grams (28%)
– Carbs: 14.1 grams (7%)

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 78
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 79

I had lots of energy today. Things are going well.

Protocol Round 2, Week 4, Day 4 – 11/17

Weight: 197 = no change

Lunch:
– 7 oz pork butt
– 1 T butter
– 4 oz broccoli
– 7 oz asparagus
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 oz baguette
– 1 oz mushrooms

Dinner:  2 whole eggs

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 788.7
– Fat: 53.1 grams (60%)
– Protein: 52.8 grams (27%)
– Carbs: 24.9 grams (13%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 72
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 81
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

I did not sleep well last night. I think I got maybe 2 hours total sleep. I just wasn’t tired. I was wired most of the morning then started losing steam after my 2-hour reading, which was about 15 minutes late. I was shocked how low my one-hour was after eating a starchy carb and then it rose. I was going to try rice tomorrow but guess I’ll exclude it based on my 2-hour PP.

Maintenance starts on Monday. I’m going to start search my cookbooks and prepare my shopping list. I’m going to try some different foods. Yay me!

Protocol Round 2, Week 4, Day 5 – 11/18

Weight: 197.4 = up 0.4 pounds

Lunch:
– 5.3 oz tuna
– 0.75 T butter
– 6 oz broccoli
– 4 oz zucchini
– 4 oz yellow squash
– 2 T boursin cheese
– 2 oz mushrooms
– 1 oz yellow pepper
– 1 oz homemade mayo

Dinner:
– 2 whole eggs
– 2 oz spinach

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 781.4
– Fat: 55 grams (63%)
– Protein: 58 grams (30%)
– Carbs: 13.6 grams (7%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 77
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 92

I got plenty of sleep last night but woke up groggy and hungry for some reason. I don’t usually wake up hungry. I held out as long as I could. I ate about 20 minutes earlier than I normally do. About an hour after eating I felt sick to my stomach. My 2-hour rose again so I did a 3-hour as well. I had yellow pepper and am wondering if that is the culprit.

I’m about a week away from TOM. I’m feeling weird, sharp pains like I usually do around this time. And I’m tired at the time I sent my report. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day energy wise. Have a great weekend!

Protocol Round 2, Week 4, Day 6 – 11/19

Weight: 196.8 = down 0.6 pounds

Lunch:
– 9 oz scallops
–2 T butter
– 2 oz spinach
– 6 oz broccoli
– 1 oz cheddar cheese
– 0.5 oz heavy cream
– 6 oz eggplant

Dinner: 2 whole eggs

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 826.5
– Fat: 56.1 grams (62%)
– Protein: 63.2 grams (31%)
– Carbs: 17.2 grams (7%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

Today I treated myself with a manicure and pedicure. I had lunch later than I wanted. I ate around 2:30. I was starving by the time I ate but got full quickly. Nine ounces of scallops is a lot. It was the first time I made them myself. The eggplant was a first timer for me too. Both were really good. My boyfriend enjoyed the meal very much. I was pretty tired today due to lack of sleep again. My 1-hour and 2-hour PP’s were the same. I guess it’s better than rising like it has been on my second hour.

[Note: Not just ‘better than’ — but good. Under 100 is completely normal, but more importantly, your blood sugars are beginning to stabilize, which is great. Remember, you have blood sugar levels 24/7 — not just after eating, and not just when you measure. It’s perfectly normal to have level blood sugars for several hours after eating, and good to have them stay that way until just before you eat again. It means you are finally squirting small amounts of insulin throughout many hours, instead of having large rises and deep falls after ingesting food.]

Protocol Round 2, Week 4, Day 7 – 11/20

Weight: 196.6 = down 0.2 pounds

Lunch:
– 5 oz NY strip
– 4 oz kale
– 4 oz broccoli
– 1 oz cheddar cheese
– 4 oz green beans
– 2 oz Portobello mushrooms
– 2 oz Chinese cabbage

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 863.1
– Fat: 60.7 grams (63%)
– Protein: 57.8 grams (27%)
– Carbs: 21.4 grams (10%)

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 91
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

My fasting glucose was higher than expected. I was not hungry last night so I didn’t eat my dinner. I finally got plenty of sleep. Maintenance starts tomorrow. Ketostix was small for the first time.

I’m down 8.2 pounds for this round of Protocol. That makes a total of 15.8 pounds since starting with SugarFree. Even better: my blood sugars and metabolism are greatly improved, and the proof is in my smaller size jeans!

Maintenance Round 2, Week 1, Day 1 – 11/21

Weight: 196.8 = up 0.2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 41” = down 0.5”
Waist: 39” = up 0.25”
Hips: 42” = down 1”

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 90
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 99
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 90

First day of maintenance went well. I couldn’t finish all of my lunch. I tried to eat all of it but just couldn’t. My waist is up a tiny bit but my hips are down another inch. That’s 4 inches off my hips since the beginning of September. Amazing!

Maintenance Round 2, Week 1, Day 2 – 11/22

Weight: 198.6 = up 1.8 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 109
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 111

As I expected, the scale went up slightly after first day of maintenance. I’m not worried because my pants were still loose and I had to wear a belt. I felt great in the morning. My 1 and 2-hour PP’s were up there. I’m wondering if it is because I had yellow pepper and potato or because I had potato two days in a row or because it’s almost that time of the month, or all of the above.

[Note: All of the above is probably right.  Good for you for noticing — now you can take corrective measures for at least two out of the three. :)]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 1, Day 3 – 11/23

Weight: 198.2 = down 0.4 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 94
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 95
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 95

My fasting glucose was a lot higher than I expected. I did eat my dinner late, around 8:30, but I don’t think that would really have affected it. My 1 and 2 hour were the same. I felt great all day. Lots of energy and I actually slept the whole night without waking until the alarm went off. Looking forward to spending time with my family for Thanksgiving tomorrow and sticking to my meal plan. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

[Note: And a Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 2, Day 1 – 11/28

Weight: 196.8 = No change

Measurements:
Bust: 41” = no change
Waist: 38.75” = down 0.25”
Hips: 42” = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 99
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 97

I had so much energy today I could hardly sit still. Yesterday, I grabbed a pair of jeans to throw on to go shopping. I wasn’t really paying attention and when I tried to button and zip them I was shocked because they were kinda tight. I knew I did well over the holiday and my weight hadn’t gone up. I felt kind of sick to my stomach and asked myself what could I have done wrong. Then I remembered I got my size 12′s out last week to try them on and set them on the dresser. I checked the label and sure enough they were my 12′s. I was so excited to even get them buttoned and zipped I wore them shopping even though they were slightly tight but still comfortable enough to wear.

[Note: Kym, how fantastic is that! I laughed when I read your report because I’ve done exactly the same thing myself, panic-stricken when a pair of pants is tight (I haven’t regained any of the weight I’ve lost so far, so you can imagine the look on my face) — only to discover I grabbed a new pair in a smaller size that I’d been ‘saving’ for when I lost another few pounds. First, whew – and then: hey, wow, they fit. :)]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 2, Day 2 – 11/29

Weight: 196.8 = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 97
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 110
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 108

My energy level was still up today; sleep is still off and on as far as sleeping the whole night. I did wake a couple of times last night but it was later than usual.

Maintenance Round 2, Week 2, Day 3 – 11/30

Weight: 196.6 = down 0.2 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 100
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 99

BG numbers are getting better. It must be post traumatic stress after the holidays and shopping. Everything else is going well. This weekend will be full getting the tree and decorations up. The stress of the holidays will be in full swing.

Maintenance Round 2, Week 2, Day 4 – 12/01

Weight: 198 = up 1.4 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 98
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 94

I was surprised to see my weight went up 1.4 pounds but not worried about it. Just read any comments from SugarFree and you’ll understand. My clothes didn’t get any tighter so who cares what the scale said. BG numbers are improved again today. Two days in a row under 100 at the 1 and 2-hour readings.

I have a company holiday party today and know I won’t even be tempted to eat the food provided. One reason is that I tried two new recipes today at lunch and I am super full and they were super delish. The other reason is I’m sure anything they have to offer won’t be nearly as good as my home-cooked meals.

[Note: Kym, you’ve come a long way. You wouldn’t have said that a few months ago, and would have come up with reasons to take a ‘bite or two’ instead. Yay, you! :)]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 2, Day 5 – 12/02

Weight: 196.2 = down 1.8 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 87
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 100
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 98

Another good day. Not much else to say. Feel fabulous as ever and am proud that I stuck to my guns at the Holiday Party yesterday. The food looked like something they took out of a box and heated it up. It may not have been but that’s what it looked like to me. I asked others how the food was and most of the responses were “Meh. It’s all right.” For me “all right” is not worth eating. Have a great weekend everyone!

Maintenance Round 2, Week 2, Day 6 – 12/03

Weight: 196.2 = No Change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 97
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 95

Looking good! Time to get the tree and start decorating for Christmas. Loads of energy today. I can’t stress how great I feel. It’s amazing how when you start eating for you the right way that you can feel so fabulous instead of feeling like a slug. I just wish I would’ve known the truth about food a long time ago instead of the falsities we’re told today. I’m thankful I’m doing what is right for me now.

[Note: It’s been a long time coming, but you are definitely on the right path now!]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 2, Day 7 – 12/04

Weight: 197 = up .8 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 98
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 95

I’m so excited at how well things are going. My new way of eating is going well. It has become my new way of life. Today, actually this whole weekend, has been super busy yet I figured a way to fit in my new way of eating that will be for life. That includes figuring it out when the unexpected happens like our car breaking down. It CAN be done. 😀

[Note: Wow – what great glucose readings! You’ve done quite a turn-around in the last few weeks, and the effort is definitely paying off. :)]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 3, Day 1 – 12/05

Measurements:
Bust: 41” = no change
Waist: 38.5” = down 0.25”
Hips: 42” = no change

Weight: 197 = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 90
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 85
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

Wow. Look at those numbers — although I don’t think I’ve had my fasting be higher than my 1 and 2-hour PP. I had an awesome piece of salmon with homemade mayo that had toasted mustard seed. It is usually grilled but it was way too cold out for me so I baked it and it was still delish. All is going very well.

Maintenance Round 2, Week 3, Day 2 – 12/06

Weight: 197 = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98

Numbers look good, especially for having a starchy carb. I didn’t eat my full dinner last night because I just wasn’t hungry. Good energy today. Every day that my numbers look good just makes me feel so much better that I’m on the right track and my change in eating for life is making a difference.

[Note: It’s wonderful that your body has finally stabilized! Enjoy the chili and duck. :D]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 3, Day 3 – 12/07

Weight: 197.4 = up 0.4 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

I had red peppers today and if you look at my past posts, peppers caused quite a rise in my 2 hour reading. Not this time. It only went up 3 points. I know I keep saying this but I’m really excited about well things are going now.

Maintenance Round 2, Week 3, Day 4 – 12/08

Weight: 196.2 = down 1.2 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 80
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 72
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 77

I am under a lot of stress at work right now. My stomach is in knots and I could barely eat my lunch but I did and it was delicious. It is so funny because every time I heat up my lunch, people start gathering around my desk just to see what kind of deliciousness I have for the day.

My numbers were lower than normal and I had 1 oz of potato today. The 1-hour was lower than my fasting and then it rose 15 points so I took a 3-hour reading. It came down 10 points still being lower than my fasting?

[Note: Kym, please go back and find my email to you where I explain true normal readings and why a ‘jump’ from 72 to 87 1-hour after a meal is great, not bad, even if it is “15 points more.” Please re-read my note. Then, to help everyone understand that, please post it in your report tomorrow. As for your 3-hr PP being ’10 points lower than fasting’ — woohoo!

But instead of scratching your head in confusion, remember that your meter is a tool designed to help you eat right for the rest of your life. If you have a day of great numbers, don’t stare at them, mystified. Say “wow, I sure did eat right today. Exactly what did I eat, how much of it did I eat, and when did I eat it? Once you figure it out, do it again. And again. And again. :)]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 3, Day 5 – 12/09

Weight: 196 = down 0.2 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 76
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

Here’s what SugarFree wrote about Blood Glucose readings:

• True normal fasting is under 100. 90′s is good. 80′s is great.
• True normal 1-hr is less than 20 points over fasting, and preferably under 110.
• True normal 2-hr is back under 100. Reaching fasting is even better.

Based on this, my numbers are good again today and that’s with an extra 1/2 oz of potato! Tomorrow I’ll have berries. Everyone have a great weekend!

Maintenance Round 2, Week 3, Day 6 – 12/10

Weight: 195.4 = down 0.6 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

I had berries for the first time in months. I blended them with a ton of heavy cream and put it in the freezer while I cooked my lunch. They were delicious. I did eat my lunch later than normal. I felt really full after eating, almost bloated. My numbers look good after having fruit. Yay!

[Note: How fabulous is that! AND hitting a new low number in Onederland. I bet your stats will look good on Monday. :)]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 3, Day 7 – 12/11

Weight: 195.8 = up 0.4 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 89
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

Today I made an awesome chili. My numbers look great again. I had lots of energy. Lunch was super filling.

[Note: There’s a saying I learned from a teacher that I will never forget: When men fail, they blame bad luck. When they succeed, they attribute it to their skill. When women fail, they blame themselves. When they succeed, they call it luck.

Your success and your numbers aren’t luck. You worked your butt off — literally — to make this happen. Give yourself a well-earned pat on the back and revel in what you’ve accomplished! :D]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 4, Day 1 – 12/12

Measurements:
Bust: 41” = no change
Waist: 38.5” = no change
Hips: 41.5” = down 0.25″

Weight: 195.8 = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

I have worked my butt off and I’m proud of it! I’ve come a long way since the beginning. I tried a different starchy carb today and numbers are still fabulous. I feel great and look great. 😀

Maintenance Round 2, Week 4, Day 2 – 12/13

Weight: 195.4 = down 0.4 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 78
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 79
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

Super full as usual after lunch and numbers look great, even with having red pepper with a starchy carb. Huge difference from before. Energy level is good. Staying super busy getting everything together for the holidays and with all the projects at work that everyone suddenly needs done by the end of the year, which for us is actually 12/19. Busy Busy Busy.

Maintenance Round 2, Week 4, Day 3 – 12/14

Weight: 196 = up 0.6 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 77
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

Feeling a bit on edge after lunch. Probably more because of work stress than anything. I am wide awake today and am so ready for the weekend.

Maintenance Round 2, Week 4, Day 4 – 12/15

Weight: 196.4 = up 0.4 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98

I can tell I’m getting stressed out with work and everything else. I actually forgot my butter this morning! I went to heat up my lunch and realized I hadn’t packed it. Ugh! I was having my chili and a starchy carb and new I’d need that fat. I ended up going to the store to pick some up. Whew. I did feel a little tired after eating. I’ve just been running ragged. Good day everyone!

Maintenance Round 2, Week 4, Day 5 – 12/16

Weight: 196.8 = up 0.4 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 89
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98

I’m either coming down with something or just exhausted. I don’t feel right today. I worked until 11:30 last night and up at 4:30 a.m. I can hardly keep my eyes open. Good news is that I saw someone I haven’t seen in a while and she said “Hey skinny mini!” It made me smile. 😀

[Note: Kym, the compliment is lovely, but you can’t continue to burn the candle at both ends. You need to get some serious rest this weekend. And take some coconut oil in tea later as a preventative. Ditto with tomorrow morning. Don’t worry about the extra fat. CO gets used for fuel in an entirely different way than regular fat. Same with butter. CO has the additional benefit of being antibiotic when used internally or externally.]

Maintenance Round 2, Week 4, Day 6 – 12/17

Weight: 195.8 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 77
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 101
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 107

I forgot to have my sour cream with lunch so I was missing some fat. That might be why my 1 hour was higher than it has been. I’m going to the TSO concert today, so I gotta get ready. Have a great weekend.

Maintenance Round 2, Week 4, Day 7 – 12/18

Weight: 195 = down 0.8 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

I roasted a duck today and it was delicious! It was my first duck (I used SugarFree’s recipe) and it turned out beautifully. Lunch was so filling. I feel great today and protocol starts tomorrow.

Protocol Round 3, Week 1, Day 1 – 12/19

Measurements:
Bust: 41″ = no change
Waist: 38.5″ = no change
Hips: 41.25″ = down .25 inches

Weight: 195.4 = up 0.4 pounds

Lunch:

– 4 oz Beans, string, green
– 2 oz Mushrooms
– 0.75 oz Bread
– 1.75 T Butter
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 8 oz Salmon

Dinner:
– 1 T Olive oil
– 6 oz Mixed salad greens
– 1 large Egg, whole

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 784.1
– Fat: 51.3 Grams ( 59% )
– Protein: 54.6 Grams ( 28% )
– Carbs: 26 Grams ( 13% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

First day of protocol is going well. I have a little hunger. I was so full from lunch yesterday I didn’t eat dinner last night. That could be why I was hungrier than usual this morning. I’m still struggling getting enough sleep.

I’d also like to add: I found my measurement record for when I was on HCG, starving myself to death. I weighed then approximately what I weigh today. My waist is the same as it was then, but my hips are three inches smaller now and my bust is one inch smaller. And far from having to starve to achieve this, I’ve just come off a month of eating a boatload of fat and calories every single day. In other words, I weighed the same, but I was fatter. I’m a smaller person now, and I wear a smaller clothing size.

Which just goes to show what SugarFree has been saying is true: the scale doesn’t really matter. It’s the inches (and fat) lost that does.

Protocol Round 3, Week 1, Day 2 – 12/20

Weight: 194.8 = down 0.6 pounds

Lunch:

– 6 oz Asparagus
– 2 oz Mushrooms
– 1.5 T Butter
– 1 oz quinoa
– 4 oz Chard
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 6 oz Tri-Tip Roast

Dinner:

– 2 large egg white
– 0.75 T Olive oil
– 6 oz Mixed salad greens
– 1 large Egg, whole

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 776.4
– Fat: 52 Grams ( 60% )
– Protein: 56.3 Grams ( 29% )
– Carbs: 20.8 Grams ( 11% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

We had our team holiday luncheon today. We went to an Italian restaurant that has a buffet. I ate my lunch prior to going. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought to sit there while others were eating. Although, you get a lot of questions like “Oh, you’re not eating?” or “How come you’re not going to eat?” I wouldn’t have gone, but we go shopping on main street for an hour our so after lunch. I couldn’t miss out on that. 😉

[Note: Kym (and everyone reading this) — next time just order a ‘small green salad’ (basically lettuce) w/olive oil and vinegar. Dribble a bit of oil on it, a spoon of vinegar, some salt and pepper, and nibble on it with a guilt-free conscience. :)]

Protocol Round 3, Week 1, Day 3 – 12/21

Weight: 195.2 = up 0.4 pounds

Lunch:
– 1 oz Homemade Mayonnaise
– 6 oz Tuna, canned
– 14 g pita bite crackers
– 4 oz chard
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 1.5 T Butter
– 1 oz Celery
– 4 oz Squash, summer, yellow
– 4 oz Squash, zucchini, baby
– 2 oz Mushrooms

Dinner:
– 0.5 T Cheese, Parmesan, dry grated
– 5 oz Mixed salad greens
– 0.75 T Olive oil

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 813.5
– Fat: 55.1 Grams ( 61% )
– Protein: 55.2 Grams ( 27% )
– Carbs: 24.2 Grams ( 12% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 74
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 101 (1/2 hour late…)
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 101

Well, I’m usually good about staying on time when taking my BG. Today I was on a mission to go to the store during my lunch break and get in and out. I meant to take a ready once I parked at the store and completely forgot. I took it when I got back to my car, making it 30 minutes late. I’m not sure why the numbers are higher than what they usually are. TOM is to begin in a couple of days. I do have lots of energy and got through the store quickly. You could tell I was a woman on a mission.

[Note: It could be TOM, or you could be coming down (or fighting off) something. But the most likely explanation (given that you’ve gone from ‘small’ to ‘trace’ to ‘negative’ on the ketostix) is — too many carbs for YOU. There are carbs in veggies, and you got right up to the limit with the limited fat in Protocol. Combine that with PCOS/protein, and it could cause a problem. So, as with Ariel, we’ll lower your protein a bit, raise your fat a bit, and stay off the starchy/sugary veggie carbs for a few days. If your PP numbers remain high, then it is probably TOM.

On a side note to all Participants, I’ll be “On Holiday” from the 24th  — Friday is the last day I’ll take reports and menus — until Monday, January 2nd. I’m sure everyone will do fine and if not, there’s always next year. :)]

Protocol Round 3, Week 1, Day 4 – 12/22

Weight: 194.2 = down 1 pound

Lunch:
– 8 oz top sirloin
– 2 oz Spinach
– 2 oz Collard Greens
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 1.5 T Butter

Dinner:
– 0.75 T Olive oil
– 6 oz Mixed salad greens, raw

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 763.4
– Fat: 53.4 Grams ( 63% )
– Protein: 55.3 Grams ( 29% )
– Carbs: 15.4 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 77
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

The last couple of days, I’ve still been a little hungry after lunch, not starving or anything. I just felt like I could eat more. Today, two hours after lunch, I still feel super full. I have a lot of energy today and I was right about it being TOM.

[Note: Not so much. The fact that despite your TOM coming on (exactly the same condition as yesterday) your meter readings went back to normal means that it wasn’t the TOM at all — but was as I suspected, the carb load and too much protein. And the reason for the hunger the last few days is exactly the same: too many carbs/protein, which has thrown you out of lipolysis. So why did you lose a pound today? Because the body doesn’t work on a 24-hour schedule, but more like a 72-hour one. Had you continued to eat too many carbs/protein grams — for YOU — the loss that has been coming for the last week would have disappeared.

The minute you dropped the extra carbs and protein and upped the fat — voila! — perfect readings. And your ketostix will likely read ‘trace’ again in a day or two. This is what they call a ‘teachable’ moment. 🙂 Because absorbing this lesson and using it in the future will mean the difference between your keeping the fat off forever, and perhaps slowly gaining it back over the years.]

Protocol Round 3, Week 1, Day 5 – 12/23

Weight: 192.8 = down 1.4 pounds

Lunch:
– 7 oz Fish, swordfish
– 2 T Butter
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 5 oz green beans
– 1 oz Cheese, Roquefort

Dinner:
– 0.5 fl oz Cream, heavy, fluid
– 6 oz Mixed salad greens
– 1 T Macadamia Nut Oil

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 804.5
– Fat: 59.3 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 51.1 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs: 16.6 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 73
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

I was really shaky most of the morning.

[Note: When your fasting sugars are that low (the cause of the shakiness), grab an ounce of cheese and eat it slowly. It will help and it won’t make a difference in the rest of the day.]

I got a lot done preparing for Christmas at my house. My numbers are better after taking a break from starchy carbs. I had a horrible problem today while shopping… I couldn’t keep my pants up and forgot to put on a belt. LOL! A problem I don’t mind having. I guess this will be my last post until next year. SugarFree is taking a well deserved break. Merry Christmas to all and happy holidays to whichever ones you celebrate! See ya next year!

[Note: LOL, indeed — I’m not surprised your pants were falling off. Do you realize that as of today you are a full TWENTY POUNDS LIGHTER than you were when you began  Protocol? Mazel Tov! 😀 Have a glorious holiday and welcome in the New Year knowing yours WILL be a Happy and Healthy One!]

Protocol Round 3, Week 3, Day 1 – 1/2/2012

Weight: 191.8 = down 1 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 40.5″ = down .5″
Waist: 38″ = down .5″
Hips: 41.5″ = up .25″

Lunch:
– 2 tablespoon Butter
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 6 oz Pork, fresh, shoulder, blade

Dinner:
– 0.75 tablespoon Macadamia Nut Oil
– 6 oz Mixed salad greens

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 762.8
– Fat: 60.8 Grams ( 72% )
– Protein: 38.5 Grams ( 20% )
– Carbs: 15.4 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 80
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday week. Now it’s back to real life. I had an amazing week. I don’t think I’ve ever NOT gained weight over Christmas and New Year’s. I am actually down a pound and a full inch since the last report. I will admit that I was not 100% protocol worthy but I stayed somewhere between Protocol and Maintenance every day. Christmas was difficult, especially with my brother’s homemade cheesecake and lasagna. I made a roast beef and a bunch of veggies. I stuck to my allotted protein, fat, and carbs. It is so much easier when you have a regular routine, but I made it work, even with all the running around I had to do all week. Here’s to a great, new year!

[Note: Kym, you did incredibly well! You’re just a few pounds from the 180’s of lean and a healthy metabolism — what a great achievement. Since you’re on the last week of Protocol, check out the Recipe Thread. I just posted a new recipe today for Maintenance: Chicken Normandy. It is utterly delicious and filled with great fat, modest protein and carbs. Perfect for winter, it’s a great dish for comfort food AND company — and you can have it next week!]

Protocol Round 3, Week 3, Day 2 – 01/03

Weight: 191.8 = no change

Lunch:
– 1 oz quinoa
– 5 oz Beans, string, green
– 1 oz Blue Shropshire Cheese
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz kale
– 6 oz, boneless, raw Tuna, fresh
– 2.5 T Butter

Dinner:
– 6 oz Mixed salad greens
– 1.25 T Macadamia Nut Oil

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 820.3
– Fat: 57.9 Grams ( 64% )
– Protein: 53.2 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs: 21.6 Grams ( 11% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 106
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

It looks like my starchy carb did not like me today. The good news is my 2 hour came down under 100. I made kale chips today and they were really good. 4 oz of them was a lot. I felt energized and wide awake today. Kept myself busy with catching up on work stuff. I’m ready for the weekend already. 😀 Have a great day!

Protocol Round 3, Week 3, Day 3 – 01/04

Weight: 191.8 = no change

Lunch:
– 1 oz potato
– 9 oz Asparagus, raw
– 2 T Butter
– 9 oz Pork butt
– 4 oz kale
– 4 oz Broccoli

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 836.5
– Fat: 63.7 Grams ( 69% )
– Protein: 51.4 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs: 14.4 Grams ( 7% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 84
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

I’m trying a one meal day today. We’ll see how I do around dinner time. Hopefully I don’t bite someone’s head off. 😉 It shouldn’t be a problem though given how full I still feel two hours after lunch. I was going to delete my starchy carb today given my readings yesterday, but SugarFree said we should test to see if the high readings were because of A starchy carb or THE (quinoa) starchy carb. Since today’s numbers are under 100 after eating an ounce of potato, it’s clear that it was the particular type of carb I ate yesterday. The things you learn about your body on this Protocol!

Protocol Round 3, Week 3, Day 4 – 01/05

Weight: 191.4 = Down .4 pounds

Lunch:
– 1 oz pasta
– 1 oz Cheese, Roquefort
– 0.5 fl oz Cream, heavy, fluid
– 2 T Butter
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 5 oz Beans, string, green
– 8 oz tri tip beef roast

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  852.4
– Fat:  61.2 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 55.6 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs:  19.8 Grams ( 9% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

Lunch was super fantastic. First time I had pasta since I can’t remember when. I mixed the blue cheese, cream and 1 T of butter in with the pasta and then dipped my beef in the sauce too. It was fabulous. My numbers look good after having pasta for the first time. I’m exhausted from work and home life. Hopefully work will slow up a bit here soon.

Protocol Round 3, Week 3, Day 5 – 01/06

Weight: 190 = down 1.4 pounds

Lunch:
– 4 oz Green Beans
– 5 oz zucchini
– 2.5 T Butter
– 7 oz Salmon
– 1.5 oz Potatoes, red, flesh and skin
– 0.5 fl oz Cream, heavy, fluid
– 1 oz Cheese, roquefort
– 8 oz Broccoli

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 805.9
– Fat: 55.5 Grams ( 62% )
– Protein: 56.3 Grams ( 28% )
– Carbs: 20.3 Grams ( 10% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 102
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

I could tell before taking my 1 hour PP that it was going to be higher than usual. I felt kind of strung out, shaky. Then I knew it had come down around the 2 hour reading because I suddenly felt drained, kind of like a crash. I also felt really bloated. I slept only 4 hours last night. I just couldn’t get to sleep and got up at 4:15 this morning. It could be a combination of lack of sleep and an extra ½ oz of potato or even the extra 4 ounces of broccoli. I know how important sleep is and am going to get some tonight since I don’t have to get up as early tomorrow.

[Note: It wasn’t the potato. It wasn’t the broccoli. It’s stress and especially lack of sleep, so I’m glad you’re going to get some tonight! And I bet you’ll be able to shop for size 10 jeans this weekend. And . . . you start the next round of maintenance next week! :)]

Protocol Round 3, Week 3, Day 6 – 01/07

Weight: 190.4 = up .4 pounds

Lunch:
– 1 oz Cheese, Roquefort
– 2.5 T Butter
– 1 oz Onions
– 2 oz Artichoke Hearts
– 6 oz Asparagus
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 0.75 fl oz Cream, heavy, fluid
– 3 oz Tri Tip, beef roast
– 4 oz Beef liver

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 814.1
– Fat: 58.9 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 52 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs: 19 Grams ( 9% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 81
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 76

My one and two hours are lower than my fasting. Not sure how that happened. I am not a fan of organ meats but understand their importance for fixing my metabolism. I had beef liver today and it wasn’t that bad. I can’t say that I LOVE it but for now it’s okay. Going to try on size 10 jeans today or tomorrow. I’ll let everyone know how that goes. Have a great weekend!

[Note: She Ate Liver And Survived To Tell The Tale — Film at Eleven! LOL  And, nice note from your brother today, who will be joining us soon as the very first guy participant! I told him I bet he loses fat twice as fast as any woman participant. It’s sooo unfair. ;)]

Protocol Round 3, Week 3, Day 7 – 1/8

Weight: 189.6 = down .8 pounds

Lunch:
– 9 oz Asparagus, raw
– 1 oz Spaghetti, cooked
– 1 fl oz Cream, heavy, fluid
– 2 T Butter
– 10 oz Chicken, thigh
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 778.5
– Fat: 57.7 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 45.4 Grams ( 23% )
– Carbs: 19.4 Grams ( 10% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 80
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98

Still waiting to try on those size 10’s. We still might go later. Time got away today. We went to see my dad at the Cemetery. It’s been a year since we lost the best man I’ve ever known. Maintenance starts tomorrow. I always have a hard time getting in enough fat when figuring my menu the first few days but when it comes to starting protocol I have a hard time giving them up. 😀 Looking forward to maintenance and measurements tomorrow. Oh yeah, look at that. I’m in the 180’s… barely but I’m there!

[Note: Oh, girl — look at YOU! If I could put fireworks on your page I would. 😀 I’m so happy for you, and I can’t wait to see your measurements either. You do have my deepest condolences though, on the loss of your dad. I’m glad you go to spend some time with him today. I’m sure he’s very proud of you.]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 1, Day 1 – 1/9

Measurements:
Bust: 40.5” = no change
Waist: 37.5” = down .5″
Hips: 41” = down .5″

Weight: 189 = down .6 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

I had so much energy today I didn’t know what to do with. First day of maintenance always seems like an overload of food. I ate all my food in one meal and it was a lot to handle. Numbers are looking awesome! I lost a whole inch this last week! All is going very well. I did try on a size 10 late yesterday. They did not exactly fit but I was able to pull them up over my hips and got the button almost buttoned. I also have the length issue. I couldn’t find any talls at the store I went to so I am going to order a pair of 10′s as incentive. Happy Monday everyone!

[Note: You’ll be those size 10’s within a week or two. Guaranteed. :)]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 1, Day 2 – 1/10

Weight: 190.2 = up 1.2 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 74
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

My weight went up a bit as expected after the first day of maintenance. This is normal after the first day or so after Protocol, and I know now it’s just fat cell, place-holding water.  No one could gain a pound and a half of fat overnight!

I am eating only one meal a day, yet it’s so filling I don’t feel draggy like I remember. I also had to go to the next hole on my belt. Only one more left and it’ll be time for a new belt too. My new favorite sauce is heavy cream, butter, and blue cheese. I had it on pasta today and potato last week. I then dip my meat in the leftover creaminess or pour it over my veggies. It’s so good.

Maintenance Round 3, Week 1, Day 3 – 1/11

Weight: 190.2 = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 77
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 78
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

Today, I was hungry about 3 hours earlier than I normally eat lunch. The last few days I’ve been eating later than usual because I wasn’t feeling hunger. Today I felt ravenous. I’m not sure where that came from. I checked the calendar and I’m less than a week away from TOM so maybe that’s why. Funny though because once I started eating I suddenly felt full and couldn’t eat all my food. I made sure I ate my fat but left some veggies and protein behind. It also took me over a half hour to finish eating.

I had some extra time last night and caught up on other participants’ posts. I laughed at some of them not because they were funny but because I’ve had the same experiences with “need to expand the food repertoire” and “this is not a diet, but a way of life” AND especially: “you can take a vacation in life but not a vacation from life.” Meaning, you are no longer allowed to eat whatever you come across while on vacation (which I used to do — and paid the price) and you must make smart choices. These concepts may be difficult to accept but think about it, what brought you here in the first place? The need and want to be healthy. If you continue to think of it as just a diet to lose fat and pounds then go right back to making bad choices, you will have undone what you’ve worked so hard to fix. For me, I finally accepted that I do not want a temporary fix. I want to be healthy for the rest of my life and not live with all the ailments that I see others dealing with. Below is why. I’m not throwing out this hard work!

I did some analysis of my Blood Sugar numbers today. I calculated my 7, 14, and 30-day averages since starting on September 5, 2011 – just four months ago. I took my first 7, 14, and 30 day averages and subtracted today’s same day averages. The difference was amazing to me. Here’s what I came up with:

7-day = down 16.67
14-day = down 12.7
30-day = down 14.95

And then there’s the 11.5 inches gone and 22.2 pounds, gone. That’s 10% of former body fat I’m no longer carrying around. All of this is thanks to SugarFree’s guidance and her patience dealing with someone as hard-headed as me. Warning: it is a family trait. Thank you, SugarFree!

[Note: You’re welcome. But you’re the one who deserves the pat on the back for all your hard work. As for the “family trait” — I am forewarned. :D]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 1, Day 4 – 1/12

Weight: 190.2 = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 103
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

I had a highly stressful morning getting to work. I left my house at 6:30 and didn’t get to work until around 11:15. There wasn’t a lot of snow but the roads were really slick and trucks couldn’t get up even the slightest hills on the highway. It was crazy. I’m sure the anxiety and stress I had caused my higher than usual one hour reading. I usually do really well with potatoes, which was my starchy carb today.

[Note: Yep. Stress. It’ll do that every time. Make a cup of your favorite tea when you get home, and sip it with your feet up. If I could send you a piece of chocolate-covered bacon to nibble while you do, I would. :)]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 1, Day 5 – 1/13

Weight: 190.4 = up .2 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 85
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

Yesterday’s numbers had to be because of the stress. Look at how beautiful today’s numbers are after eating 2 ounces of berries. It was a yummy dessert. Although again it was too much food. I’ve been doing one meal a day. That’s a lot to fit into one meal. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

[Note: Kym, try going to two meals a day for a while. You’re an expert on the Protocol now. :D]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 1, Day 7 – 1/15

Weight: 189.6 = down .8 pounds

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

It’s been a crazy weekend. Everything else is going well as far as BG numbers. I’m back in the 180′s as I knew I would be after settling once maintenance started. Have a great week.

Maintenance Round 3, Week 2, Day 1 – 1/16

Measurements:
Bust: 40″ = down .5″
Waist: 37.5” = no change
Hips: 41” = no change

Weight: 189.2 = down .4 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

I had 2 oz. of starchy carb today and still stayed under 100 for my 1 and 2 hour PP. Yay! Also, only .2 pounds from my post protocol weight and finally a half-inch off my bust. It seems to be shrinking slowest, which is fine. I did happen to notice yesterday that bra was looser around than usual and the measurements prove it. I’m eating lots of fat and losing it at the same time. How awesome is that?!?!

[Note: Clearly you must be delusional, ma’am. Everybody knows if you eat a lot of fat (and you’re eating nearly 1400 calories a day in fat alone!) you will get fat. Just like everybody knows the earth is flat. LOL]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 2, Day 2 – 1/17

Weight: 190 = up .8 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 96

Let’s see. Weight (water) is up. BG’s are up (compared to what they’ve been lately) and as I predicted, TOM started today. SugarFree says they’re all related. I just read her latest post so it looks like we won’t be back until Thursday. Have a good day.

Maintenance Round 3, Week 2, Day 4 – 1/19

Weight: 190.6 = up .6 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 96

I’m up in weight from two days ago when last posted but down since yesterday (no posting). No worries because my clothes still fit just as they did prior to the water gain. Everything is going well.

I’ve discovered making creamy soups. It is a great way to do something different with your veggies. Today I had roasted broccoli/cauliflower/artichoke soup. I roasted my vegetables then placed them in homemade veggie broth I brought to a simmer. I used a stick blender to mash it all up, then poured some of it into a beaten cream/egg yolk mixture, and poured everything back into the pot. I simmered the soup a bit longer to heat through. It was fabulous. Very filling and a great way to have your veggies in a different fashion. I’m going to attempt SugarFree’s Chicken Normandy recipe over the weekend. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Maintenance Round 3, Week 2, Day 5 – 1/20

Weight: 192.4 = up 1.8 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

I’m not sure what’s going on with the weight. I guess it’s still TOM effects. Again, my clothes aren’t any tighter so it must be okay.

[Note: It is. It’s water weight (I’d like to see any human put on two pounds of fat overnight!) — and when your body is ready it will release it. You can help that by getting some sleep. Seriously. When humans don’t sleep well, or enough, the body believes it’s because the enemy is near and the human must stay vigilant. That means elevated fight or flight hormones, which in turn means depressed insulin, which in turn means higher blood sugars because the body wants lots of glucose at the ready to feed the muscles required to either wrestle the saber-tooth tiger to the ground, or run the hell away. 🙂 It kept us alive a few hundred thousand years ago, but all it does today is make us fat and diabetic.]

I had the most delicious dessert today with my heavy cream and mixed berries. As usual, very full after lunch. Numbers are good considering I had berries and they were a bit elevated on Tuesday when I had them. I only got about four hours of sleep last night. I got involved in something and didn’t get to bed until after midnight.

I am now caught up on my participant reading and found out that there is a secret experiment going on with Ariel. I cannot wait to hear about it. I’d give anything to not be freezing all the time. In the office, I either have my coat on or an extra sweater. Yesterday is an example. Everyone was complaining about how hot it was in the office and they looked at me and asked if I was cold. I said “Actually, I’m comfortable so it must be really hot in here.” At home, I get made fun of because I’m always cold and have to be bundled in a blanket. Looking forward to hearing about the secret!

[Note: And it will affect you! That’s all I’m saying for the moment. :D]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 2, Day 6 – 1/21

Weight: 190.6 = down 1.8 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

I got 7 hours of sleep and my weight is back down. It was a good day overall. Busy but good. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Tomorrow: Chicken Normandy!

Maintenance Round 3, Week 2, Day 7 – 1/22

Weight: 190.2 = down .4 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

The Chicken Normandy turned out fabulous! The kids absolutely loved it and so did the rest of us. They all said it is a definite make again recipe. And just look at my numbers. The two hour is only 2 points above fasting. I also got another good night of sleep; eight and a half hours this time. Hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend. Oh, and I did order size ten jeans and they were delivered Friday. I tried them on today and got them zipped and buttoned! They’re still a little too tight to wear in public but I’m almost there!! 🙂

[Note: In this case, I’m happy to say I told you so. 😀 Enjoy them!]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 3, Day 1 – 1/23

Measurements:
Bust: 40″ = no change
Waist: 37.25” = down .25″
Hips: 40.75” = down .25″

Weight: 190 = down .2 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 103
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 103

My one and two-hour meter readings weren’t so good today. I think it might’ve been the combo of onion and potato. I’ve eaten the same meal several times and the only difference is the onion. I will also be getting complete blood tests this week to see how they compare to the tests done prior to starting with SugarFree. It will be enlightening I’m sure. And another half-inch gone from my waist and hips!

Chicken Normandy is still on my mind because it was so good. If you haven’t made it yet, you should. It is simple and amazingly good. You can substitute1/4 cup of chicken stock for the Calvados apple brandy. Good day everyone!

[Note: The high readings might be the result of your food (in which case your fasting sugars tomorrow will be a bit higher than today), or you may be fighting off something. Let’s see how it goes. As for the Chicken Normandy, I had leftovers for today’s meal — if anything, it’s even better after it’s sat in the fridge for a few days. Love that stuff. It’s also incredibly cheap to make if you have a TJ’s near you. I love their free-range organic drumsticks for only $1.99 a pound. Can’t beat that price with a stick. 🙂

Oh — and Whole Foods, which normally doesn’t carry Cardoons/Cardones, were so intrigued by my description that they ordered a whole bunch. So if any reader wants to try some and they’re not locally available, call your nearest Whole Foods. The item is in their computers. I pick mine up tomorrow and can’t wait to try Ariel’s recipe.]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 3, Day 2 – 1/24

Weight: 190.6 = up .6 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 90
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 85
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 100
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 88

My ketostix is negative and I’m up in weight again. I don’t really concern myself with weight. Just pointing it out.  My fasting BG is higher than usual and my two-hour PP went up 15 points. It might have been the smoked salmon. I bought a different brand than I normally do. When I packed my lunch this morning, I noticed it said “cooked” smoked salmon and didn’t really think about it. I looked at the package again after eating and saw it has honey in the ingredients, lthough I know some smoked products are cured in sugar but there is no sugar in the product itself. I guess when it is cured in honey, it is in the product. has “zero” sugars according to the label.

[Note: It has zero sugars for the serving size – which doesn’t mean anything, since food manufacturers skirt the labeling laws by making serving sizes small enough for them to legally ’round down’ to zero. I’m sure you ate more than their idea of serving size. And smoked salmon isn’t cooked, it’s cured. If a fish is cooked (as yours was) with honey then yes, it has honey (sugar) in it.]

Other than that, I had a ton of energy last night and did a lot of running around and errands around the house.

Maintenance Round 3, Week 3, Day 3 – 1/25

Weight: 191.4 = up .8 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 100
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

I’m feeling a little tired today. I don’t know if I’m coming down with something or what. I felt a little flushed after lunch and my stomach has been bothering me the past couple of mornings. I’m eating only one meal today. I made an awesome sauce for my vegetables that was so easy. It had butter a type of blue cheese, and heavy cream. That simple and it was delicious over my veggies and I licked my plate clean.

[Note: Kym, your higher-than-usual blood sugars began on the 19th, and stomach aches a few days later. I believe you’re either fighting that stomach virus (making the rounds of many of our Participants) or may be headed into another bout of diverticulitis. Is it possible to check this with your doctor?]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 3, Day 4 – 1/26

Weight: 191.6 = up .2 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

As I was waiting on my lunch to heat up today, I was watching someone having difficulty opening their lunch. It looked like a prepackaged meal. I remember eating like that. The Lean Cuisines, SmartOnes, and such always still feeling so hungry afterward. I would be “good” and not fall for “temptation” while at work but by the time I got home I would just open the fridge and binge on whatever I could get my hands on.

These days, following SugarFree’s advice, I don’t feel like that. I’ll eat my lunch and be satisfied until the next day most times. It is more than 2 hours since I had my lunch as I’m writing this and I am still so full that I feel like I just ate. Numbers look good today and I feel good.

Maintenance Round 3, Week 3, Day 5 – 1/27

Weight: 190.4 = down 1.2 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

I forgot my green beans today. I usually have all my veggies in one bowl but I made a cream of broccoli soup and planned on eating my beans separate. I left the house without them this morning. Sigh… The soup was good and even without the green beans I was super full. I had a starchy carb today after a few days without and my BG’s look great.

Maintenance Round 3, Week 3, Day 6 – 1/28

Weight: 190.6 = up .2 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

It’s been a long stressful day. I spent a few hours in the hospital visiting my grandma. I’m ready for some rest.

[Note: Kym, it’s always stressful when an older family member is in the hospital. My thoughts are with your grandma and you.]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 3, Day 7 – 1/29

Weight: 190.6 = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

I’m not sure what was wrong with me today. I had a headache, was starving earlier than normal, then got really irritated and angry. I was better after I ate. I’m not sure where all that came from. My head is still aching a little but not like earlier. I can tell you I was fighting the mental battle when I was in my mood. We were shopping and I was so hungry I really had heavy thoughts of throwing in the towel and just getting whatever to eat. I thought it through and knew I’d be even more mad at myself for falling. I made it home to eat my lunch and do feel better about myself that I didn’t fall for all the temptations that probably wouldn’t have tasted good anyway. It is tough sometimes.

[Note: I’m sorry you had such a rough day. My guess is that you’re under a lot of stress worrying about your grandma, which is totally understandable.

But oh, so GOOD FOR YOU that you didn’t allow the stress to become an excuse for self-sabotage. You knew what to do, and why you should do it — and you did it! This is what will keep you slim the rest of your life. That’s not to say there will never be times, once you’re on more or less permanent Maintenance, that you’ll want a pizza night, for instance. But that will be planned so that there’ll be much more fat than carbs, and will not be from anger or stress. The first is an occasional treat. The latter is harmful when you do it, and for days later as your already higher cortisol levels (from the stress) is spiked by guilt. Hope the rest of your day — and next week — goes better…]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 4, Day 1 – 1/30

Measurements:
Bust: 40″ = no change
Waist: 37.25” = no change —> .25″ LESS than when you began Maintenance 3 weeks ago.
Hips: 41” = up .25″ —> equal to when you began Maintenance

Weight: 190.2 = down .4 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 91
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98

I made chopped liver and had if for lunch today. It was good. I’m not going to say it’s my favorite food, but I know how important organ meats are as SugarFree taught me so I’ll eat it. It was nice to have it prepared differently. I also had bread today, which usually gives me problems. Today was better than it has been. My fasting glucose was higher than usual but still normal. It could be from the stress of worrying about my grandma.

Maintenance Round 3, Week 4, Day 2 – 1/31

Weight: 190.4 = up .2 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

It took me forty minutes to finish my lunch today due to work distractions plus all the food I had to eat. I have had a ton of energy all day. The weather is beautiful here today. Wish I would’ve taken the day off to enjoy it. Not much more to report. Everyone have a great day!

Maintenance Round 3, Week 4, Day 3 – 2/1

Weight: 191.6 = up 1.2 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 73
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 96

I read SugarFree’s post about statins last night and it hit home with me. Almost everyone in my family has been or is on a statin, including myself. I never really had a problem with my cholesterol, but my triglycerides have always been extremely high, that is until the past year. When I say high, I’m talking over 500 and at one time they were over 2000. The doctors had me on Lipitor, Zycor, Tricor, and several others. My cholesterol was reduced but they never worked on my triglycerides. I ended up taking myself off of them because I had heard they were bad for you and because I was tired of giving my money to Big Pharma. I didn’t tell my doctor I stopped taking the meds. It wasn’t until I lost the weight that they went down. I have a whole new perspective of what the numbers mean and how to read them thanks to SugarFree’s research and sharing of knowledge. I’m still waiting on the latest blood test results to see how SugarFree’s protocol has improved them.

[Note: Kym, I had no idea you were on statins, and I am so glad you are no longer taking them. For a doctor to give you a statin to control triglycerides — WHICH STATINS DO NOT AFFECT AT ALL — is madness. Statins artificially lower total cholesterol (which we now know is not a good idea!) by telling the liver to make less of it. Triglycerides, on the other hand, are mostly created from excess glucose shunted down to the liver because your skeletal muscle cells refuse insulin’s message to take it in. Then the T’s  are shoved into your adipose fat cells and locked away. How on earth could a statin possibly affect that process? Sheesh.

On the other hand, as you’ve discovered, once you become less insulin resistant and your muscles are once more willing to listen to insulin’s message, your triglyceride count drops into normal range. True normal, that is. Currently lab range is anything less than 150, but that’s still quite insulin resistant. People who follow the the Protocol will, over time, drop into the really true normal of less than 100. Mine ranges from 42 – 62.

It is important to note however, that when this happens doctors tend to freak out. Not because that triglyceride level is too low; on the contrary, even the average doctor knows that level is very good. No, it’s because when you have a lipid panel done, only TC, HDL and TG’s are actually measured in the lab. LDL however, is calculated with a mathematical formula using the other three values. That’s why you see the word CALC to the right of the LDL number.  The problem is with the formula, called the Friedwald calculation, which only works for TG’s between 100 to 400. Anything above or below this, and the calculation doesn’t work at all. It will show LDL anywhere from 30 to 50 points higher than it really is.

There is a new formula, the Iranian formula, that takes very low TG’s into account. It’s a great science research story of how two doctors created it, and why, so you might want to Google it. Google the “Iranian Calculator” as well, and when you put in your TC, HDL and TG numbers, it will calculate your true LDL level (if your TG’s are less than 100). My ‘calc’ is 134. My true LDL is 97. That’s quite a difference. Now, how many doctors even know how LDL is calculated (or even that it is calculated), let alone by which formula and whether or not that formula is the correct one to use?

Who said: “Zero”? Congratulations. You’ve won a SugarFree sugar-free chocolate-chip cookie! :)]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 4, Day 4 – 2/2

Weight: 192 = up .4 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 93
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

I ordered an Emile Henry pizza pan and received it yesterday. I’m excited about using it. My weight and numbers have been odd this week. I guess it is due to all the stress of worrying and not sleeping well. I decided to take tomorrow off since work has slowed a bit. Just a day to do whatever I feel like doing.

[Note: Good for you! Enjoy every minute of the day. As for the Emile Henry Flame pizza stone, you’ll love it. It can go on top of the range as well as in the oven, and on the grill, too. You can cut directly on it and not leave a single mark — so you can serve at the table right on it, and keep the food hot. Which makes it a great warming tray as well. Enjoy that too!]

Maintenance Round 3, Week 4, Day 5 – 2/3

Weight: 191 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

I had a good day off. I had a lot of energy so I did some things around the house. Now off to my boyfriend’s son’s basketball game. Have a great weekend!

Maintenance Round 3, Week 4, Day 6 – 2/4

Weight: 190.6 = down .6 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

Busy day. Saw a movie with the kids, went shopping for furniture, and a bunch of other regular errands. Time to relax.

Maintenance Round 3, Week 4, Day 7 – 2/5

Weight: 189.6 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 86

I roasted a standing rib roast today for the first time. It turned out really good. The family liked it. Now we’re watching the big game. Protocol starts tomorrow.

Protocol Round 4, Week 1, Day 1 – 2/6/2012

Weight: 189.4 = down .2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 40″ = no change
Waist: 37.25″ = no change
Hips: 41″ = no change

Lunch:
– 7 oz, boneless, raw Salmon, raw
– 8 oz Broccoli
– 1 oz Sweet potato, raw
– 5 oz Beans, string, green, raw
– 2.5 tablespoon Butter
– 1 oz Blue Shropshire Cheese
– 1 fl oz Cream, heavy, fluid

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 829.2
– Fat: 60.8 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 53.8 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs: 16.7 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 90
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 104
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

First day of protocol and my one-hour glucose reading was high. I had plenty of energy today. I wasn’t hungry until my usual time to eat and still full as of reporting with eating a lot less fat. It was difficult to keep the fat to less than half when preparing my menu. I’ll skip the starchy carb tomorrow.

[Note: You began Maintenance Round 3 on 1/9.  Your waist was 37.5″ — and after four weeks of eating a lot of fat and calories, it is 37.25″ — which means you lost fat. Your weight was 189 pounds, and today it is 189.4, which means that you gained .4 pound in those four weeks as well. In other words, your brain has fully accepted your new lower set-point, which means it should be willing and able to shed more excess adipose fat in this round of Protocol. :)]

Protocol Round 4, Week 1, Day 2 – 2/7/2012

Weight: 188.2 = down 1.2 pounds

Lunch:
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 3 oz Artichoke Hearts
– 4 oz Asparagus
– 6.5 oz Beef Liver
– 2.5 T Butter
– 1.5 oz Blue Cheese
– 1 fl oz Heavy Cream

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 819.7
– Fat: 58.9 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 52 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs: 20.4 Grams ( 10% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 99

My meter readings are in normal range but higher than what I’ve been lately. Could it be the lower amount of fat I’m having on protocol? I did not have a starchy carb today. I am down 1.2 pounds after one day of Protocol.

[Note: The loss is water, not fat. And yes, as you’ve seen with Ariel, who went back on Protocol last week, it takes nearly a full week for your body to get the message: “Uh-oh, the Mastodon aren’t running again. Guess we’ll have to dip into the interior fridge to get our calories.” Your pancreas will also get the message to increase insulin slightly, which will lower your sugars. Patience, Grasshopper. :)]

Protocol Round 4, Week 1, Day 3 – 2/8/2012

Weight: 188 = down .2 pounds

Lunch
– 7 oz cod
– 4 oz kale
– 4 oz broccoli
– 2.5 T butter
– 1.5 oz cheddar cheese
– 1.5 fl oz heavy cream
– 5 oz green beans

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 816.6
– Fat: 61 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 55 Grams ( 27% )
– Carbs: 11.9 Grams ( 6% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 104
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

My 1-hour PP was over 100 today. According to my notes, it’s still in normal range since it is under 110 and less than 20 points over my fasting BG. I’m not used to seeing over 100. I have started a new medication today that I took with my meal. I wonder if that has had an effect. I can say that I have consistently had plenty of energy throughout the day and plenty to do at work to expend it. Sometimes I want to say more in my posts but there just never seems to be enough time.

[Note: It could be the med, or it could be the time you took it, or both. If you don’t need to take it with meals, you might try first thing in the morning and see how that does. Let’s keep an eye on this for the next few days.]

Protocol Round 4, Week 1, Day 4 – 2/9/2012

Weight: 188 = no change

Lunch
– 8 oz Spinach
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 2.5 T Butter
– 1 oz Cheddar Cheese
– 10 oz Chicken Thigh

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 795.9
– Fat: 61.5 Grams ( 70% )
– Protein: 50.3 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs: 10.3 Grams ( 5% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 86

Lesson learned today.

Last night SugarFree sent me an email about my higher BG numbers. She wrote: “Quick question: have you had any recent skin issues for which you may have used a tropical steroid?”

I have no idea how she came up with that question but it hit me like a brick. That’s because a week and a half ago I was prescribed a Corticosteroid! And that’s just about the time my BG numbers started increasing.

I looked back and found that when I used it in the evening, every next morning my fasting BG was higher than expected. Same thing happened Monday and yesterday because I used it mid-morning, so my 1-hour PP was high. I had not mentioned to SugarFree that I was on this topical medication, because it’s not ingested so I didn’t think about it. It is, however, absorbed into the skin and then into your blood stream.

Turns out this steroid is the culprit. SugarFree said that: “the ‘corticos’ in Corticosteroid (and Hydrocortisone) stands for Cortisol,” and as she has written in many posts: “Cortisol depresses insulin, which raises blood sugar. Stress does the same thing. The body raises cortisol in “fight or flight” situations where high glucose is required in the bloodstream in case you need extra energy to give your muscles.” When I rubbed the medication on my body, the cortisol in it depressed my insulin and raised my blood sugar.

As SugarFree said, I’ve now performed a real-time experiment on myself where N = 1 — and I saw for myself what happens when Cortisol rises, either from medication or stress. Once again the truth come out: The meter never lies. You just have to search for the reason it tells you what it does. Whew. At least I know this reason now.

Protocol Round 4, Week 1, Day 5 – 2/10/2012

Weight: 187.6 = down .4 pounds

Lunch
– 2.5 T Butter
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 8 oz Pork Roast
– 1 oz Blue Cheese
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 1 oz Quinoa

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 802
– Fat: 59.6 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 49.6 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs: 16.8 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 100
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

I think maybe green beans are a bit of an issue for me when I have a starchy carb. I’ve had quinoa before without green beans and my one hour would be in the low to mid 90’s. My two hour looks good though. I’m not sure how/why my ketostix is negative. I am down .4 pounds.

[Note: The weight loss is water. You haven’t hit lipolysis in a while (hence no inches lost last week), probably due to the steroids. The 100 PP is likely carry-over from that and so the quinoa — NOT the green beans! — was too much for your insulin to handle today. Women with PCOS are exquisitely sensitive to Cortisol. It might be best to cut all starchy carbs for the next few days, or until you’ve been off the steroids for 72 hours.]

Protocol Round 4, Week 1, Day 6 – 2/11/2012

Weight: 187.2 = down .4 pounds

Lunch
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 6 oz Calf Liver
– 1 fl oz Heavy Cream
– 1.5 oz Roquefort
– 2.5 T Butter
– 9 oz Asparagus

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 810.2
– Fat: 60.6 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 49.5 Grams ( 24% )
– Carbs: 16.7 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 96

Today was a very rough day for me and my family. I was stressed most of the day. I’m also struggling with another problem that I’m not sure is being caused by the medication I’m taking or stress or both. I’m hoping Sunday will be a better day.

[Note: Kym, my deepest sympathy for what you and your family are going through right now. It is a very difficult time, and though none of us can fix it, we can hold you and them in our thoughts.

As for your blood sugars: first, they really are not bad. All still within normal range. Second, it absolutely, positively IS being caused by stress, and nothing else. It is NOT the food you’re eating. Stress raises cortisol. It just does. There’s nothing you can do, short of using meditation perhaps, to lower the stress, that can change that. And, as I wrote in a note to yesterday’s report: “Women with PCOS are exquisitely sensitive to Cortisol.” So please hang in there, and try to do something nice for yourself tomorrow. :)]

Protocol Round 4, Week 1, Day 7 – 2/12/2012

Weight: 186.8 = down .4 pounds

Lunch
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 2 T Butter
– 7 oz Filet Mignon
– 5 oz zucchini
– 5 oz yellow squash
– 0.75 oz Cheddar Cheese

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 839.7
– Fat: 66.9 Grams ( 72% )
– Protein: 50 Grams ( 24% )
– Carbs: 9.4 Grams ( 4% )

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

Today I decided to something nice for myself, but it took a lot of time.  I ate my “lunch” late today by the time we got home and prepared everything. The good news is that I didn’t start getting hungry until around three so I was good. My numbers look good today. I will add a starchy carb tomorrow to see how it goes. Tomorrow is measurement day. I sure hope I see some shrinkage. 😀

Protocol Round 4, Week 2, Day 1 – 2/13/2012

Weight: 186.6 = down .2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 39.5″ = down .5”
Waist: 37″ = down .25”
Hips: 41″ = no change

Lunch
– 4 oz Spinach
– 5 oz Asparagus
– 2 oz Artichoke Hearts
– 2.5 T Butter
– 1.5 fl oz Cream, heavy
– 6.5 oz Beef Liver
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 1 oz Potatoes
– 1 oz Blue Cheese

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 837.2
– Fat: 60.4 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 49.7 Grams ( 24% )
– Carbs: 23.7 Grams ( 11% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 101
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

Today I had a starchy carb, the first in a few days. My one hour was over 100 but my two hour came down. TOM is supposed to show up in a day or less. I’ve just had all kinds of stuff going on this round of protocol. I’m doing everything I can to keep the things I can control from getting out of hand to keep the cortisol from raising. The good news I’m shrinking. 😀

[Note: Indeed you are. Despite all the turmoil, you lost .75″ and nearly 3 pounds in one week! Since you began Protocol five months ago, you’ve lost 26 pounds and many clothing sizes. Shrinkage, indeed. :)]

Protocol Round 4, Week 2, Day 2 – 2/14/2012

Weight: 186.6 = no change

Lunch
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 10 oz Chicken Thigh
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 2.5 T Butter
– 1 oz Blue Cheese
– 1 oz Mushrooms

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 777
– Fat: 60.2 Grams ( 70% )
– Protein: 47.1 Grams ( 24% )
– Carbs: 11.7 Grams ( 6% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 77
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

Today’s numbers look great! I had loads of energy this morning and no hunger. Not much more to report for a Tuesday.

[Note: How are those size ten jeans fitting now? :D]

Protocol Round 4, Week 2, Day 3 – 2/15/2012

Weight: 187.2 = up .6 pounds

Lunch
– 8.4 oz Trader Joe’s Crab Meat
– 1.5 oz Homemade Mayonnaise
– 1 large Egg
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 2 T Butter
– .5 oz Quinoa

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 846.1
– Fat: 67 Grams ( 71% )
– Protein: 47.7 Grams ( 23% )
– Carbs: 13.3 Grams ( 6% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

Today has just not been a good day. It started with a horrible night of sleep. Toss and turned all night. I had a headache all day, even after lunch. I was hungry a lot earlier than normal. I just didn’t feel right all day. I also can’t get warm. I’ve been shivering all day. I felt my cheeks heat up after eating but my extremities were still cold. I sure hope I’m not coming down with something. I’ve had enough going on these 2 weeks. I still have the skin problem and it has gotten worse again. It is just super annoying.

Protocol Round 4, Week 2, Day 4 – 2/16/2012

Weight: 187.2 = no change

Lunch
– 7 oz Smoked Salmon
– 8 oz Spinach
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 1 oz Potatoes
– 3 T Butter
– 1.5 oz Gouda
– 1 fl oz Heavy Cream

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 761.8
– Fat: 58.2 Grams ( 69% )
– Protein: 43.8 Grams ( 23% )
– Carbs: 15.7 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 80
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 101
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

I still was not feeling very well this morning so I took the day off work. I’m starting to feel a little better now. I still have a slight headache though. Other than my one hour being slightly higher than usual all else looks well.

Protocol Round 4, Week 2, Day 5 – 2/17/2012

Weight: 186.2 = down 1 pound

Lunch
– 7 oz Calf Liver
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 5 oz Zucchini
– 5 oz Yellow Squash
– 1 fl oz Heavy Cream
– 2.5 T Butter
– 1 oz Blue Cheese

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 799.6
– Fat: 58.4 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 52.1 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs: 16.4 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 101
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): N/A

I got really sick after lunch. Not really sure what’s wrong.  Fell asleep after lunch, so no 2-hr PP. I think I’m fighting something off.

Protocol Round 4, Week 2, Day 6 – 2/18/2012

Weight: 185.8 = down .4 pounds

Lunch
– 2 eggs
– 3 T Butter
– 1 oz bread (toasted)

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

I’m still not feeling well but I think I’m getting better. My headache is gone and my throat only slightly hurts. I ate something without feeling worse so I think that’s a good sign. (Fingers crossed) I think the tea and coconut oil are helping.

Protocol Round 4, Week 2, Day 7 – 2/19/2012

Weight: 186.8 = up 1 pound

Lunch
– 2 eggs
– 3 T Butter
– 1 oz bread

Ketostix: negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 90
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

I felt much worse today than yesterday. I woke up with a stuffy nose, sore throat, and a headache. I spent most of the day in bed.

[Note: Hang in there. If the sore throat lasts more than another day or two, you might want to see your doctor. This ‘thing’ is going around, and by the end so infecting throats that antibiotics are necessary. Feel better soon!]

Maintenance Round 4, Week 1, Day 1 – 2/20/2012

Weight: 187 = up .2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = down .5”
Waist: 37″ = no change
Hips: 40.5″ = down .5″

Lunch
– 2 eggs
– 3 T Butter
– 2 strips of bacon

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

I woke up feeling horrible again. I had tea and coconut oil and started to feel better. The coconut oil seemed to soothe my sore throat. A few hours later I started getting some energy back, my throat only slightly hurts, and my nose isn’t as stuffy. I’m supposed to be on maintenance starting today but with being sick, I’m going to ease into it. I will take it easy tomorrow as well until I feel better and want to eat. Good news is that with all that has happened this week, I lost 1 inch of fat. 😀 Fingers crossed for more recovery tomorrow.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 1, Day 2 – 2/21/2012

Weight: 187.8 = up .8 pounds

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

I tried going to work today and had to come home early. I haven’t been sick like this in a long time. My throat doesn’t hurt so much any more it’s more in my head with a stuffy nose. I had eggs, toast, butter, and bacon again. I was hungry when I ate but quickly got full. I’m not sure why my weight is slowly going up. I’m hoping it’s just water and it will be released soon.

[Note: It is water, but this time it’s in your muscles, not your fat cells. Your body requires extra water to help recover from injury, whether it’s bacterial or from weight training. Once you’re fully recovered, it will be discarded. Sounds like it might be better for you to stop fighting and give in to help your body heal.  Stay home and in bed for the rest of the week, even if you do feel better in a day or so.

Get a family member to buy a bunch of beef marrow bones in the supermarket — about half a dozen. Then salt and roast the bones on a foil-lined baking sheet at in an oven preheated to 450 for fifteen minutes. Then dump the bones in a stock pot, toss in a halved onion with the skin left on and a carrot chopped in thirds. Cover with water — 2 inches above the bones. Add 1 T. Vinegar. Bring to a boil. Turn heat down to a simmer, skim off the foam, and let simmer, uncovered, for several hours. The broth will be filled with tons of minerals, the marrow that will likely float to the top is pure animal fat goodness. There’s a reason our ancestors (and all large carnivores) cracked bones and ate the marrow — it contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals, too. I hope you feel better soon!]

Maintenance Round 4, Week 1, Day 3 – 2/22/2012

Weight: 187.4 = down .4 pounds

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

Still sick but I think I’m getting better. Yes. I’ve said that several times. I had bone marrow broth today with toast and butter. I stayed home from work and got some rest.

[Note: Kym, I’m glad you’re a bit better, but you may need antibiotics to get rid of this. Please see my note at the end of Ariel’s report today.]

Maintenance Round 4, Week 1, Day 4 – 2/23/2012

Weight: 187.2 = down .2 pounds

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

I went to urgent care with no real diagnosis. I’m going to see my doc tomorrow. His office was closed today. I still feel the same as yesterday. I am able to breathe a little better. I hope I can breathe overnight. I didn’t get much sleep last night. Kept waking up because I couldn’t breathe. I just want it to go away.

[Note: It will go away within 36 hours of taking your first Z-Pac antibiotic. I’m sure your doc will give it to you, and you’ll feel better by Saturday. 🙂 There is no ‘diagnosis’ because this thing doesn’t have a name. It’s not strep, but it definitely infects the throat.]

Maintenance Round 4, Week 1, Day 5 – 2/24/2012

Weight: 187.2 = no change

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

I got my Z-Pac from the doc today. Good thing I stopped by early in the morning. He said they’ve been crazy busy with this thing going around and he himself is sick. I took the first dose and look forward to finally feeling better. I also received more bad news today so more stress to handle.

[Note: I know the upcoming weeks will be difficult for you, Kym, and I hope you get to spend as much time with your Grandma as you can. I’m glad you got the Z (and yep, the doc will probably be on it himself in a few days); you’ll start feeling better by tomorrow. Please take good care of yourself in this time of stress. It’s the best thing you can do for you, but it’s also the best thing you can do for your family. My thoughts are with you.]

Maintenance Round 4, Week 1, Day 6 – 2/25/2012

Weight: 186.8 = down .4 pounds

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 89
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 84
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 84

Feeling better after getting the correct antibiotics. I had a disturbing visit with my grandma. I just feel so helpless. I just hope she is as comfortable as possible.

[Note: Kym, this is truly a difficult time for you and your grandma. You are helpless to influence the course of events, but you can control what you choose to do about what is to happen. Try to spend as much time with her as possible, along with other family members, perhaps sharing with your grandma and each other your best memories of time spent together in the past. We do that at funerals — why not with the person while they are still alive and perhaps can hear us? Please know that we are all thinking about you and your family this week.]

Maintenance Round 4, Week 1, Day 7 – 2/26/2012

Weight: 186 = down .8 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 87
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 106
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 96

I tried eating a more complete meal today. I think I over did the starchy carb. I had 1.5 oz of potato. It was probably too much too soon. No a starchy carb tomorrow.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 2, Day 1 – 2/27/2012

Weight: 186 = no change

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = no change
Waist: 37″ = no change
Hips: 40.5″ = do change

Weight: 186 = no change

Ketostix: negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 89
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98

My weight came down to almost where it was before I got sick. I feel like I lost a whole week because I can’t really recall much of it. It’s all a blur. I still have a slightly stuffy nose and an occasional cough but no other symptoms. I do have my appetite back and ate all my lunch today.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 2, Day 2 – 2/28/2012

Weight: 187.6 = up 1.6 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 100

I was not able to finish my meal today. I tried a close to normal maintenance meal and just couldn’t finish it. My weight is up 1.6 pounds. This is usual after the first day of maintenance, even though the title says week 2, because I was sick all last week, I didn’t eat even close to a maintenance menu until yesterday. I felt bloated a few hours after eating.

[Note: Yep, your tummy is still shrunken. It will take several days to get back your full appetite, but it will return. And of course, the water weight always comes with M. but as you know now from experience, it will soon go. :)]

Maintenance Round 4, Week 2, Day 3 – 2/29/2012

Weight: 187.2 = down .4 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 93
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 83

Woke up with a sore throat again. It didn’t hang around all day, although I still feel a little “cloggy” in the back of my throat. I ate all my food today still feeling very full after eating and then I realized I didn’t add my green beans to my daily greens. I’ve been so absent-minded lately. I visited my grandma today who was taken to the hospital again. It’s been a very stressful time for my family.

[Note: Kym, I’m so sorry to hear about your grandma being so ill again.  I know it’s hard to think of yourself during this difficult time, but taking extra special care of you right now, so you can be strong for everyone else, is the best thing you can do. We all send hugs to you and your family.]

Maintenance Round 4, Week 2, Day 4 – 3/1/2012

Weight: 186.2 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 100
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 90

I had my lunch two hours earlier than normal since I went to see my grandma, who fell overnight. I don’t know what is going to happen so I wanted to ensure I wouldn’t be tempted to have something I shouldn’t when hunger sets in. I did not finish all of my vegetables again. Just too full. All but .2 pounds of water gain from starting maintenance is gone, just as expected.

My 2-hour blood sugar level was ten points higher. I drove to see my grandma between readings and was so stressed it probably accounts for it.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 3, Day 3 – 3/7/2012

Weight: 186.2 = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 87
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 101

It’s been a few days since I last reported. A very rough few days actually. My grandma passed away on Friday and I was by her side most days prior to her passing. It is so difficult to be with someone who meant so much to you, when they take their last breath. My grandma will live on in all of us and I have memories to keep forever.

I did well sticking to Protocol foods but will admit I probably didn’t eat as much as I should have. It sure has been rough for the past month, physically and mentally, with being sick and my grandma. My anxiety level has been high the past week. Also, I went to a dermatologist regarding my skin issue and I have been given a topical steroid, different from before. It is supposedly a very low dose. I used it last night and my fasting BG is only 1 point above my 14 day average of my fasting number. We’ll just need to keep an eye on it. I asked if there was any non-steroidal treatment and she said no. My next step is to fix my hypothyroidism. I should start a remedy within the next week. And I have to say: Welcome to the SugarFree Protocol my little, big brother. (Todd is younger but much taller. ) A journey to good health we can share together. Love ya!

Maintenance Round 4, Week 3, Day 4 – 3/8/2012

Weight: 186.8 = up .6 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 105
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 85

Too busy trying to catch up with work. Now I get to add work stress to my repitoire of other recent stressers. It shouldn’t last long though. I’ve been out a lot the past three weeks so it’ll go back to normal soon. My 2-hour PP was ten points above my 1-hour PP but it came down by the 3rd hour. I ate all my food and loved it. People ask if I get sick from eating a whole stick of butter at once. Of course not.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 3, Day 5 – 3/9/2012

Weight: 187.2 = up .4 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

I felt GREAT today! The last time I felt this good was before I got sick, which has been over three weeks ago. I had a lot of energy all morning. I got caught up on my SugarFree reading and found that I missed SugarFree’s birthday. Happy belated birthday! I’m so happy you enjoyed yourself. I hope to have a very relaxing weekend with no set plans and just do what might come to mind. It’s been a while.

Today I had chopped liver and if you remember, I was very resistant to chicken liver. I am just absolutely loving the chopped liver now. All the flavors melded together are just fabulous. Those who feel they have to tough out the organ meats required on protocol should try chopped liver.

Some people have a hard time with the amount of veggies to be eaten, which are very important. I have been living it up lately with different variations of my daily fat intake. If I have only butter, I’ll add garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, Italian seasoning, just a different mash-up of herbs and spices to my butter. I let it come to room temperature and then melt it only slightly then pour it over my veggies and starchy carb. If I have cheese and heavy cream on the menu for the day, I’ll melt that with the butter and use it. It is delicious and satisfying. It has been over 2 hours since I ate and I’m still full.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 3, Day 6 – 3/10/2012

Weight: 186.2 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 78

TOM started late yesterday, which can explain the gain then loss of water. I ate a stick and a half of butter today. Wow! I also had a ton of energy. That seems to be the trend lately. I like it.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 3, Day 7 – 3/11/2012

Weight: 186 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

So, after eating a stick and a half of butter yesterday, I’m still down .2 pound and my ketostix is moderate. Again, tons of energy. I did some chores today that I just haven’t felt like doing but with all the energy I had to find something to do.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 4, Day 1 – 3/12/2012

Weight: 186.4 = up .4 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 38.5″ = down .5”
Waist: 37″ = no change
Hips: 40″ = do change

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

I was a bit disappointed with my measurements. I know I’m on maintenance but was hoping to lose a little in the waist and hips. I guess I can’t complain too much since my weight is still under what it was on Week one, Day one of maintenance this round. I also had loads of energy again today.

[Note: Kym, you’re doing great. And by great I mean that since the goal of Maintenance is to get your brain to accept your new lower set-point and fat level, without which you cannot succeed long-term — the fact that you haven’t gained pounds or fat is fabulous! Given the circumstances of the last few weeks for you, and the stress you’ve been under, make that Double Fabulous. Triple if you count TOM. 🙂 The excess water will probably disappear next week. Sweetie, enjoy your victory. You’ve worked long and hard to get here, and now it’s time to just . . . be. At least for a while.]

Maintenance Round 4, Week 4, Day 2 – 3/13/2012

Weight: 187.2 = up .8 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

Today my stomach was bothering me before lunch and I felt tired. I also felt bloated. I felt fine after eating and very full. I’m stuck on salmon salad. It’s so delicious. Oh, and I had my bowl of melted butter with blue cheese and someone asked me what kind of soup it was. The look on his face when I said “butter for my veggies” was priceless.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 4, Day 3 – 3/14/2012

Weight: 187.6 = up .4 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 90
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 101
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

My fasting and 1 & 2 hour PP numbers are higher than usual and I know why. I had to use my topical steroid last night. My numbers are still in normal range, just a little higher than my usual. There sure has been a lot of talk lately about chopped liver. Organ meats are a requirement while on Protocol. I have tried beef, calf, and chicken liver. The beef and calf liver (also called veal liver) are tolerable for me when sauteed in butter with a bit of cream (amount depending if on maintenance or protocol.) Chicken liver is not my friend . . . unless it is made into chopped liver. SugarFree has posted the recipe and I have to say it is absolutely delicious. I have only one more portion left in the freezer so I’ll be making it again soon. It does freeze and thaw well.

Today I felt a lot better than yesterday. I got a bit more sleep last night than the night before so I’m sure that helped. Today has been a good day.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 4, Day 4 – 3/15/2012

Weight: 187.2 = down .4 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

I made some delicious clam chowder for lunch today. It warmed me up after freezing all day in the office. It is nice outside, so the a/c is on and it ends up being way too cold inside. Other than that today has been going well.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 4, Day 5 – 3/16/2012

Weight: 187.4 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 90
1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

Good energy today despite a stressful night running into the morning. By afternoon I decided I would no longer let the little things bother me because it has an affect on my health. I’ve had enough of big stressers that happened lately. No need to “sweat the small stuff.” Tomorrow we’ll be celebrating my boyfriend’s son’s 16th birthday. It should be a lot of fun.  Happy St. Patty’s Day to everyone.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 4, Day 6 – 3/17/2012

Weight: 186.4 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 85
1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

Today we had a little get together to celebrate a 16th birthday. I had my planned meal and while everyone else was eating ice cream cake I had my berries and cream. It was a good day.

Maintenance Round 4, Week 4, Day 7 – 3/18/2012

Weight: 185.8 = down .6 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 94
1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

My fasting BG was high again for me. I cannot explain it this time. The only thing that came to mind is that I did have a dream that I ate a huge cookie covered with lots of fat. I know that I did not have any sugar yesterday. My 1 and 2 hours are back to normal.

[Note: Your Fasting BG was ALSO completely normal! :)]

Protocol Round 5, Week 1, Day 1 – 3/19/2012

Weight: 186.8 = no change

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = up .5”
Waist: 37″ = no change
Hips: 40.5″ = up .5”

Lunch
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 2 serving Artichoke Hearts
– 5 oz Asparagus
– 2.5 tablespoon Butter
– 1.5 fl oz Heavy Cream
– 6.5 oz Beef Liver

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  717
– Fat:  52.2 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 43.2 Grams ( 24% )
– Carbs:  18.6 Grams ( 10% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

First day of Protocol is always the hardest. I already miss my sticks of butter for lunch. I feel okay. I was a little hungry before usual time but was able to hold out. It’s over two hours since I ate and I am already feeling hungry. I think it might be a mental thing too. My measurements are up a bit as well. Maybe the past few weeks catching up with me? I’m back on Protocol and hopefully the fat will melt away again.

[Note: The hunger isn’t mental, it’s real. That’s because by eating sufficient calories in Maintenance, your body no longer had any need for lipolysis. It will return within a few days of calorie reduction, and then you won’t be hungry again — but the first few days of Protocol after Maintenance means some hunger. As for your measurements, as long as your waist did not increase, you did not put on fat. Proof? On your first day of Maintenance you weighed 189.4 pounds. Today, after eating a boatload of extra calories for an entire month, you weigh 186.8 — you’ve lost 2.6 pounds! I know it’s hard sometimes, but try to keep the big picture in mind. :)]

Protocol Round 5, Week 1, Day 2 – 3/20/2012

Weight: 186.2 = down .6 pound

Lunch
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 1 oz Potato
– 1 oz Homemade Mayonnaise
– 2.5 T Butter
– 7 oz Tuna

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  741.5
– Fat:  53.5 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 50.4 Grams ( 27% )
– Carbs:  14.6 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 103
– 3-hour PP (after lunch):92

Today I’m still feeling hungry but it’s not something that isn’t manageable. I’m trying to keep my mind occupied with other things. My 2-hour PP was 7 points higher than my one hour so I took one an hour later. I think the starchy carb without all the fat my body has gotten used to did it.

[Note: LOL – this happens every single time you go from Maintenance to Protocol. So … not to worry. :)]

Protocol Round 5, Week 1, Day 3 – 3/21/2012

Weight: 186.2 no change

Lunch
– 7 oz tri-tip roast
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 3 tablespoon Butter
– 9 oz Asparagus

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  678
– Fat:  50 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 47 Grams ( 28% )
– Carbs:  10 Grams ( 6% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

I did not get any sleep last night. The dog woke me up at 2 a.m. and I had a hard time getting back to sleep then waking to start the day just two hours later, so I’m tired.

Good news: I found that I will need to buy new belts soon. I am on the last notch on one of them and second to last on the other. That’s very exciting BECAUSE I weigh seven pounds more than I did after my last round on HCG and I didn’t even come close to the second-to-last notch let alone the last one. 😀  What does that say to me?  That I have lost fat following the SugarFree Protocol vs. muscle mass on every other diet.

[Note: Fantastic news, Kym! Though I am sorry you didn’t get any sleep. Hope things go better for you tonight. Ear plugs, maybe?]

Protocol Round 5, Week 1, Day 4 – 3/22/2012

Weight: 185 =  down 1.2 pounds

Lunch
– 7 oz Shrimp
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 1 oz Homemade Mayonnaise
– 1 oz Fusilli Organic Pasta
– 2.5 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  761.7
– Fat:  55.3 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 45.4 Grams ( 24% )
– Carbs:  20.6 Grams ( 11% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 83
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 92

My sleep was interrupted again. I didn’t feel as tired today though. Actually I’m wide awake with lots of energy so I must be burning some fat. I’m down 1.2 pounds today at 185, which is exciting to me. I was also full before I finished eating but did eat all of my meal, and it was delicious. I par-boiled the spinach and broccoli then shocked them in cold water. I put them in a bowl with the shrimp, pasta and mayo to make a shrimp salad. So good. My mayo was a little thin this time because I added too much lemon juice but it made the salad fantastic with the lemony flavor. After taking my one-hour PP I was in shock that it was the same as my fasting BG. I had to do a double take, especially since I had pasta. I can’t help but wonder if it was a fluk.

[No fluke. Your 2-hr rose a bit, then almost immediately came down again. This is what metabolic healing means, and you’ll now be able to add pasta to those foods you can eat, in modest quantities and with sufficient fat. Isn’t it wonderful? :)]

Protocol Round 5, Week 1, Day 5 – 3/23/2012

Weight: 184 = down 1 pound

Lunch
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 7 oz Beef Liver
– 2 fl oz Heavy Cream
– 2.5 T Butter
– 5 oz Green beans
– 1 oz Potatoes

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  799.8
– Fat:  58.2 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 45 Grams ( 23% )
– Carbs:  24 Grams ( 12% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 78
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 103
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 93

No hunger today. I wasn’t even that hungry when lunchtime came around. I used a topical steroid overnight and was surprised my fasting bg wasn’t higher. My 2 hour was higher again but came back down by the 3 hour. I’m going to a March Madness game on Sunday. It should be an experience. Have a great weekend!

Protocol Round 5, Week 1, Day 6 – 3/24/2012

Weight: 182.2 = down 1.8 pounds

Lunch
– 11 oz Chicken leg
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 3 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 719
– Fat: 55 Grams ( 69% )
– Protein: 46 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs: 10 Grams ( 6% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 87
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

Today was a bad planning day. I sat at a softball tournament all day, got a little sunburn, and didn’t know it was going to last as long as it did. I didn’t get to eat my meal until 7 in the evening. All numbers are in normal range even with using the topical steroid overnight. I was also excited to be down 1.8 pounds.

Protocol Round 5, Week 1, Day 7 – 3/25/2012

Weight: 182.2 = no change

– 4 oz Broccoli
– 5 oz Green beans
– 2.5 T Butter
– 7 oz Pork chop
– .5 oz Bacon
– 1 oz Rice
– 4 oz Spinach

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 781.8
– Fat: 56.6 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 49.9 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs: 18.2 Grams ( 9% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 87
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): NA
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): NA

Today is the first day I ever forgot my meter. I took it out of my purse to refill my strips and forgot to put it back before we left for the basketball game. I did better with planning and ate before we left but then the mishap.

Protocol Round 5, Week 2, Day 1 – 3/26/2012

Weight: 181 = down 1.2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 38.5″ = down .5”
Waist: 36.5″ = down .5”
Hips: 40.5″ = no change

Lunch
– 7 oz Shrimp
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 3 T Butter
– 5 oz Asparagus
– 2 oz Artichoke Hearts
– 2 fl oz Heavy cream
– 4 oz Kale

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 781.8
– Fat: 60.2 Grams ( 69% )
– Protein: 46.3 Grams ( 24% )
– Carbs: 13.7 Grams ( 7% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 99

I’m down a total of another 5.8 pounds in one week of Protocol. That’s more than twice what I dropped during my last round. I think it is because I had so much going on with being sick and my grandma, plus TOM. I’m also down another inch of fat which is even better. I used my topical steroid today instead of overnight and my numbers are higher than normal without a starchy carb, but still within normal range. I had so much energy today, I feel great all around!

Protocol Round 5, Week 2, Day 2 – 3/27/2012

Weight: 181 = no change

Lunch
– 7 oz Beef liver
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 5 oz Green beans
– 2.5 T Butter
– 2 fl oz Heavy cream

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 779.8
– Fat: 58.2 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 44.5 Grams ( 23% )
– Carbs: 19.5 Grams ( 10% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

I was supposed to have 1 oz potato with my lunch today but left my potatoes in the toaster oven, which means they’ll be trashed since they’ve been there since yesterday. I guess I’ll try potato tomorrow. Everything looks good today. I also finally found my size 10 jeans comfortable enough to wear to work today! Yay!

Protocol Round 5, Week 2, Day 3 – 3/28/2012

Weight: 182 = up 1 pound

Lunch
– 7 oz Salmon
– 1 oz Homemade Mayonnaise
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 1 oz Potato
– 2 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 764
– Fat: 57.6 Grams ( 68% )
– Protein: 46.8 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs: 14.6 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 96

Lack of sleep again last night. I forgot to put in my earplugs before going to sleep. I just wish I could get a full night’s sleep without waking up. Even with the earplugs the other night, I woke a couple of times but fell right back to sleep. I hate that I’m up a pound today but also know that it happens sometimes and it is water.

I bought the same cookbook I got Todd for myself, The Way to Cook by Julia Child. I read through it last night and really like it, but all the bread and pizza dough recipes have sugar in them. Could I eliminate the sugar? I also notice that more than half the book has dessert, pastry, etc. recipes. Some of the recipes are “low-fat” but they do give an option if you want the full fat ones. It is a good cookbook and I recommend it. I laughed a couple of times when I read it, because some of the helpful tips in it are ones that SugarFree has shared with us.

[Note: Kym, you can cut the sugar in half for bread recipes (or entirely for pizza dough) — but don’t worry, you won’t be eating sugar. The yeast eats the sugar and converts it to alcohol and CO2, which helps flavor the dough. Unlike regular dough that should be left in the fridge overnight for a slow, more flavorful rise, pizza dough is usually quick and I don’t put any sugar in mine. For my favorite bread – brioche, loaded with butter and eggs – I use all the sugar called for, because so much fat makes the yeast work harder. I test all my breads on my meter, and eaten in small amounts with sufficient fat, there is no spike at all.]

Protocol Round 5, Week 2, Day 4 – 3/29/2012

Weight: 181.8 = down .2 pound

Lunch
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 8 oz Calves Liver
– 5 oz Asparagus
– 2 oz Artichoke Hearts
– 0.5 oz Onions
– 2.5 T Butter
– 0.25 oz Tomato paste
– 2 fl oz Heavy Cream

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 848.9
– Fat: 62.1 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 51.6 Grams ( 24% )
– Carbs: 20.9 Grams ( 10% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 87
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

The past few days I’ve been experiencing hunger in the morning and early evening. I’ve done well to abstain from eating anything until lunch time but last night I couldn’t hold back. I felt famished and ate two 1 oz. cheese sticks and tasted the cheese sauce I was making for the family dinner. I was so frustrated with myself afterwards. I am moving on and will do better tonight. I was hungry 2 hours earlier than usual today but ignored it. I ate my lunch and felt full afterward. I still feel full 2 hours after lunch. I hope the fullness stays with me.

[Note: Kym, this hunger is your body telling you that it is unwilling to remain on Protocol because there is insufficient extra fat left to burn, this time around. You are receiving hunger hormones sent from your brain to try and get you to eat more, so this is biology, not character, and thus nothing to feel frustrated about. Time to come off Protocol and begin Maintenance tomorrow. After several years of weight loss and excellent stabilization, I can only stay on Protocol for a week at a time, and it may well be that you will need to do this as well. Understanding real hunger and the length of time YOU can stay on Protocol is part of the learning process. You’re now a size ten. As someone who is really tall, you may well be positively skinny in a size eight, and that may be the lowest healthy size YOU can be. After that, it will be Lifetime Maintenance – forever.]

I originally had beef liver for today’s menu but found some calves liver at a nearby meat market. It is amazing how much better and tender it is. I also got some suet. They just happened to have some when I was there. It’s not something they always carry. I’m going to try to render it over the weekend.

[Note: Rendering suet (gorgeous white beef fat surrounding the kidneys) into tallow or leaf-lard (white pork fat surrounding the kidneys and the only lard I use) is easy. Just chop up the fat, put it in a heavy casserole with some water (1/2 cup for 4 pounds; just so the fat won’t burn before enough has melted – it will evaporate), cover, and stick into a 200 to 225 F oven overnight or 8 – 20 hours. That’s it, done. There may be cracklings floating on top. Skim them onto a paper towel, salt and eat. Or toss into your chopped liver for a little crunch. One other thing to do with suet is to freeze some, and if you want to make the highest, lightest, most delicious biscuit in the world, grate some of that frozen suet into the flour along with the frozen grated butter. Hel-lo! :D]

Maintenance Round 5, Week 1, Day 5 – 3/30/2012

Weight: 181.4 = down .4 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 106
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 100

I have started maintenance early because it is what my body needs. As usual, I felt super full after eating all the additional fat but I got it all down and it was very tasty. Today’s numbers are higher than I expected. I removed berries from the menu for tomorrow. I also expect to be up in weight tomorrow as it always happens when transitioning from Protocol to Maintenance. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 1, Day 6 – 3/31/2012

Weight: 181 = down .4 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

Surprisingly, my weight went down after day one of maintenance. I skipped my starchy carb today and my numbers look good. I’m going to add berries tomorrow. Yum.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 1, Day 7 – 4/1/2012

Weight: 181 = no change

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 101
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 100

I went to a BBQ today. I checked to see what was on the menu before going and prepared my own food. They didn’t have anything that I could eat and with good planning everything worked out. I even ate dessert (berries and cream) with everyone. I’m just wondering where spring went. Temperatures here are like the middle of summer than April 1.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 1, Day 1 – 4/2/2012

Weight: 181.2 = up .2 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 38.5″ = no change
Waist: 36.5″ = no change
Hips: 40″ = down .5”

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 87
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 103
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 101

I’m not sure what is going on with my meter readings. I skipped my starchy carb today since yesterday they were a little high, but they were even higher today without it. I am 99% sure it wasn’t the food I ate. I was really busy and moving a lot but I didn’t think it was anything that could cause my cortisol to rise. Another possibility is that TOM will be here in a few days. I have my detective hat on and I’m not coming up with any sure things. I took my starchy carb off for tomorrow too, but I also know it is not good to go too many days without a starchy carb. I had extra high energy today. I also feel somewhat bloated after eating.

[Note: Detective, the bloating was the final clue. 🙂 It’s not the food, it’s TOM. As I’ve said before, your meter is such an accurate machine for showing you what’s happening inside you, that it even tells me if I’m going to be coming down with, or fighting off something as minor as a cold. Now you never have to ‘count days’ again. Just use your meter. 😉 So put back the starchy carb for tomorrow — you’ll need it.]

Maintenance Round 5, Week 1, Day 2 – 4/3/2012

Weight: 180.4 = down .8 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 105
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 96

It looks like my two-hour PP came down nicely after having the potato SugarFree recommended for lunch. I also ate chopped liver and it was delicious, though I still felt a little bloated again after eating. I bought a duck so I can render more duck fat for another batch of chopped liver. I just can’t believe that I, who railed strongly against liver of any kind, LOVE this stuff. Just remember: DO NOT over cook the liver. It will get that bitter taste that most people associate with liver, which is not appetizing.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 1, Day 3 – 4/4/2012

Weight: 182.2 = up 1.8 pounds

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 95

TOM must be around the corner within 24 – 48 hours. I can feel it. I felt full after only eating my veggies but did eat all my food. I felt very full after. The kids are on spring break this week so we took off work tomorrow to have a fun day.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 1, Day 4 – 4/5/2012

Weight: 181.2 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 93
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 106
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 105

TOM visited late last night. Explains a lot with weight and meter readings. Weather isn’t cooperating so we are getting a late start to our day. Everything else is going well.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 1, Day 5 – 4/6/2012

Weight: 182.2 = up 1 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 97
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 102

I had chili for lunch and it was really good. I get so full on one meal a day. I have my nephew’s birthday party tomorrow. He’s turning four. 🙂 My plan is to eat prior to the party. Nothing much else going on. Happy Easter!

Maintenance Round 5, Week 1, Day 6 – 4/7/2012

Weight: 181.4 = down .8 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 95
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

We celebrated my nephew’s fourth birthday. I didn’t have time to eat beforehand so I waited to eat until I got home. It was difficult but I brought cheese sticks and had one to hold me over.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 1, Day 7 – 4/8/2012

Weight: 181.6 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 94
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

My trip to Whole Foods was a bust. No calves liver, no beef liver, no clams. I was very disappointed and aggravated. I have sliced calves liver so I will have to do with that when I make chopped liver this week. I also roasted my duck and it didn’t seem to give off as much precious duck fat as it did last time. I hope to have enough for the chopped liver. I think I did something wrong. It tasted good but just not as good as it was the first time I made it.

[Note: Did you pierce and salt it and leave it uncovered the night before? Cook it breast-side down in a slow oven for a long time? Also, for you and other Participants/Readers — because you’re shopping for ‘unusual’ ingredients (the healthy stuff no one else wants) — it’s not always in stock. Make a practice of calling the store before you go out to shop. And find yourselves a good local butcher, who will always have what you want, or order it for you.]

Maintenance Round 5, Week 2, Day 1 – 4/9/2012

Weight: 183 = up 1.4 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = up .5”
Waist: 36.5″ = no change
Hips: 40″ = no change

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

What can I say? It’s a Monday and it is going as well as Mondays go. I’m up in water weight and not sure where that came from. No TOM to blame. I’m not worried because there’s always tomorrow for the water to go away.

[Note: Water just filling your fat cells. It will be gone by the end of the week. :)]

Maintenance Round 5, Week 2, Day 2 – 4/10/2012

Weight: 182.4 = down .6 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 87
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 105
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

I made a fresh batch of chopped liver. I over-processed it a bit but it still tastes good. I also I found a new vegetable to try, so I thought. It was labeled as “baby artichoke”. It doesn’t look anything like an artichoke but I’m willing to try. I started to google it to see if there was a special way to prepare it. I searched baby artichoke and none of the photos looked anything like what I bought. I looked at the receipt and it is actually “bitter melon”. Oh well, another thing to add to Sunday’s trip to Whole Foods.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 2, Day 3 – 4/11/2012

Weight: 183.4 = up 1 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 81
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

I had a half ounce of onion along with pasta today and my numbers stayed under 100. My weight is up again because of the fat cells holding onto water. They’re such water hoarders sometimes. 😀 Nothing exciting/different to report today. Happy Hump Day everyone!

Maintenance Round 5, Week 2, Day 4 – 4/12/2012

Weight: 183.6 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 92
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 87

I am feeling really tired today. I thought I slept well last night. I didn’t wake up until the alarm went off for the first time in a very long time. Maybe lack of sleep is still catching up. My meter readings look great. Four days straight having a starchy carb with no repercussions. Yay!

Maintenance Round 5, Week 2, Day 5 – 4/13/2012

Weight: 183.6 = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 89
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 81

I can’t tell you how excited I am with my 1 and 2-hour readings. I had two — yes, two ounces of sweet potato today and my numbers are gorgeous. I was a bit hungry earlier than usual but drank some black coffee and water then forgot about it. I am bummed because of the rain. Today is home opener and it has been postponed. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Maintenance Round 5, Week 2, Day 6 – 4/14/2012

Weight: 182 = down 1.6 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 79
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 87

Maintenance Round 5, Week 2, Day 7– 4/15/2012

Weight: 181 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 78
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

Maintenance Round 5, Week 3, Day 1– 4/16/2012

Weight: 181.6 = up .6 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = no change
Waist: 36.5″ = no change
Hips: 39.75″ = down .25”

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

I am still so pleased with my meter readings. My energy is up after getting a little more sleep over the weekend. I did receive bad news today that I will need to be on an even stronger topical steroid, which will raise my BG I’m sure.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 3, Day 2– 4/17/2012

Weight: 181.4 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 90
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 100
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

I was right. My BG is slightly up but nothing to be concerned about. I was going to skip the starchy carb or fruit knowing that it would elevate my BG, but SugarFree said no. She said steroids will raise my sugars but not because my muscle cells are rejecting glucose. The bad news is I’m not getting any relief from the topical steroid. Hope I do soon.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 3, Day 3– 4/18/2012

Weight: 180.4 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 83

Everything seems to be going well as far as my numbers. I have had a few compliments lately with people noticing that I’m getting “skinnier.” Some have asked what I’ve done to lose weight, and when I let them know one of the biggies is giving up sugar they lose interest.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 3, Day 4– 4/19/2012

Weight: 180.2 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 80

I received some horrible news yesterday evening and have been crying since. I had to take my baby girl, Sierra the pooch, to the vet because she hasn’t been eating and getting sick and lethargic. They did some blood work and found that her kidneys are failing. Apparently there is nothing that can be done for dogs that will have any lasting results. I worked from home today to keep an eye on her. My stomach has been in knots and I wasn’t that hungry. I did finally make lunch. I had 1.5 oz potato and my BG looks great. I had a ton of fat. I fried the potatoes in tallow and butter and it was so good. I could not eat all my food though because I started feeling sick to my stomach. I usually eat my starchy carb first and since a lot of my fat was in the chopped liver, I made sure I ate all of it. I left behind mostly veggies. I just couldn’t eat anymore.

[Note: Kym, even though your report came in early it just broke my heart to have to post it. I lost my faithful companion of seventeen years a full five years ago and I’ve never forgotten her still. You have lost so much that is dear to you in the last few years, your wonderful dad and grandma, and now Sierra. I’m glad you’re able to stay home and be with her these last few days; I’m sure she feels all the love. I’m sure I speak for all our Participants and readers when I say we’re sending big, BIG hugs your way!]

Maintenance Round 5, Week 4, Day 1– 4/23/2012

Weight: 180.2 = no change

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = no change
Waist: 36.5″ = no change
Hips: 39.75″ = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 87
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 100
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

Blood Glucose Averages:
7-day: 89
14-day: 88
30-day: 91

It has been horrible few days. I have not been able to eat much. My stomach has been in knots and I’ve just not been hungry. My weight is the same from my last report but I did get down to 179.2 over the weekend, probably from not eating and stress. I ate some of my starchy carb, veggies, fat, and protein but not all of it. I am just exhausted.

[Note: Kym, we are all with you on this journey, if not in person, then in spirit. Please give Sierra a group hug from all of us!]

Maintenance Round 5, Week 4, Day 2– 4/24/12

Weight: 180.2 = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 89
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 100

I had chocolate today with some fresh whipped cream and it was very good. My 2-hour PP went up seven points so I took a 3-hour reading. Still higher. I’ll do readings until one comes down. Sierra is still day-to-day. She is not having a good day today. I’m also feeling really full since I ate all of my food for the first time in a few days.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 4, Day 3– 4/25/12

Weight: 180 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 93
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 109
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98

I took my boyfriend out to dinner. I did pretty well. I think I had too much potato, which counts for my higher 1 hour. I have to say that it was the best steak and potato that I’ve had in a long time. It was good to get out for a little bit.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 4, Day 4– 4/26/12

Weight: 181.2 = up 1.2 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 94
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 96

I’m starting to get back to eating my normal meals. Not that anything has gotten any easier, I’m just trying to make sure I take care of myself. My boost of energy came from the coconut oil SugarFree recommended. It does seem to be a wonder food.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 4, Day 5– 4/27/12

Weight: 180.2 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 94
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2.5-hour PP (after lunch): 83

Glad the weekend is here. I got busy at work and forgot my 2 hour so the reading is 2.5 hours PP. I made a new batch of chopped liver and had to use all butter since I didn’t have duck fat. I had some left from the last batch I made with the duck fat and did a taste compare. They are both really good. I couldn’t really tell much of a difference other than the onions, which I browned a little more this time. I also remembered not to over process it this time. Good to know that if I’m outta duck fat butter will do just as well. Have a great weekend everyone!

Maintenance Round 5, Week 4, Day 6 – 4/28/12

Weight: 179.8 = down .4 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 91
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 94

I was going to make Chicken Normandy today but things didn’t work out so I’ll make it on Monday. We had tacos instead. Well, the family had tacos, I had taco salad. I have been grinding my own meat in a food processor and it is so much better than hamburger you get at the store.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 4, Day 7 – 4/29/12

Weight: 179.8 = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 97
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 94

My fasting glucose was a little high today but as the day went on the mystery was solved. TOM. I made the Chicken Normandy and as usual it was a big hit. I just wanted to pour the sauce in a cup and drink it. So delicious.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 5, Day 1– 4/30/2012

Weight: 179.8 = no change

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = no change
Waist: 36″ = down .5″
Hips: 39″ = down .75″

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 99

Looks like I’ve lost another inch of fat. 🙂 I had chocolate today with whipped cream. It is so yummy. Things on the homefront are still the same. Stress levels have been steady at medium. I just conquer what I can daily and worry about what I can’t until later. I have a lot of happenings coming up. Some are fun. Some are not so fun. I am looking forward to my trip to San Francisco next week. We already have tickets to go to Alcatraz.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 5, Day 3 – 5/1/2012

Weight: 179.8 = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 96

Yesterday and today has been so very sad. We had to lay my precious four-legged baby to rest. I can’t say much because I’ll start crying again. We will miss her dearly.

I will be having a medical procedure done this week and will not report again until Monday.

[Note: Dear Kym, I know I speak for so many readers as well as myself when I say how sorry I am for your loss. Sierra was your best friend and companion for eleven years, and I know you will miss her terribly. Please take care of yourself in your time of grief; we will all be thinking about you.]

Maintenance Round 5, Week 5, Day 6 – 5/5/12

Weight: 180 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

Not a good day mentally. It is all just too much at once. I’m just trying to get through it all.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 5, Day 7 – 5/6/12

Weight: 182 = up 2 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 91
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

I have not been handling things well and ate pizza. It was self-sabotage. I cannot answer why other than I had a “I don’t care about anything anymore” moment. Luckily I snapped out of it quickly and didn’t overdo it like I used to. I tried to cover it up by adding butter, but as you can see my fasting is higher than usual and I’m up two pounds. I’m back on track today and feel better for it.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 6, Day 1– 5/7/2012

Weight: 184 = up 2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = no change
Waist: 36″ = no change
Hips: 39″ = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 72
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 83

My weight is up again but my measurements are the same as last week. I’m sure it is water given all I’ve been through the past four days.

[Note: Yes, it’s just the water that comes with all carbohydrates: 4 water molecules for each gram of carb. You’ll lose it again in a few days.]

After not eating anything for almost two days, it’s kind of like going from Protocol to Maintenance where my fat cells are being stubborn and hanging onto the water until they realize they don’t need to. I’m sure eating pizza didn’t help much either. I had a great meal today and am back on track. Better yet, I’m feeling better mentally as well. Counting down to my vacation that starts on Wednesday. It’s a much needed vacation.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 6, Day 2 – 5/8/12

Weight: 183 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 70
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 81
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 86

I will be on vacation until Saturday, so I won’t report again until Sunday. And I have an appointment to have my true body fat measured in a Bod Pod on Monday. It should be interesting. I hope everyone has a great week and weekend!

[Note: Kym, have a wonderful and restful vacation!]

Maintenance Round 6, Week 6, Day 1– 5/14/2012

Weight: 185 = up 2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = no change
Waist: 36.5″ = up .5″
Hips: 39″ = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

I’m back. Vacation was great. Today was disastrous. I’ve been under stress all day with it starting because the water was brown, then catching up with work, dealing with the water company, and many other things. I am up 2 pounds since I last reported on Tuesday. I stayed away from all things sugar while on vacation but had more good carbs than I should’ve with some meals. The only thing nice about being back home is to be in control of how my food is prepared. The only problem is that I haven’t been able to get to the grocery store so veggie stock is low. I had to resort to frozen broccoli. I hope tomorrow is a better day.

[Note: I hope it is, too. The good news is that your gain is water weight only from the extra carbs, and will disappear in a few days. :)]

Maintenance Round 5, Week 7, Day 2 – 5/15/12

Weight: 185 = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

Today was so much better than yesterday. I had chopped liver and it is still delicious. I felt a little tired early but I didn’t sleep well. I got my second wind after lunch. Still trying to catch up on work after being out. BG’s look good today.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 7, Day 3 – 5/16/12

Weight: 184.4 = down .6 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 80

Another great day. Water weight coming off slowly. Nothing really exciting to report. Just feeling good about life again.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 7, Day 4 – 5/17/12

Weight: 183.6 = down .8 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

Today was another good day. It was uneventful but these days that’s a good thing. BG looks wonderful again and that’s with 2 oz of sweet potato. Water weight is slowing going away.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 7, Day 5 – 5/18/12

Weight: 182.2 = down 1.4 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 76
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 87

Another good, uneventful day. I’m going to an all day concert on Sunday. Hope everyone else has a great weekend!

Maintenance Round 5, Week 7, Day 6 – 5/19/12

Weight: 181.4 = down .8 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 94

We were busy running errands all day and didn’t eat until after 7:00 p.m. I went all day without getting too hungry.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 7, Day 7 – 5/20/12

Weight: 182.2 = up .8 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 91
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): N/A
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): N/A

I went to an all day concert. I ate bacon and eggs before the concert to hold me over. I didn’t get to eat a regular meal. There was a rain delay so we didn’t get home until after 9 p.m. I was exhausted and went to bed.

Maintenance Round 5, Week 7, Day 1– 5/21/2012

Weight: 180 = down 2.2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = no change
Waist: 36.5″ = no change
Hips: 39″ = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 71
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 75
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 76

My numbers were unusually low today. I’m wondering if not eating much yesterday. I had my body fat measured today. I was going to do the Bod Pod but found out a DXA scan measures a lot more than just fat so I opted to do that.

Protocol Round 6, Week 1, Day 2 – 5/22/2012

Weight: 182 = up 2 pounds

Lunch
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli, raw
– 5.5 oz Asparagus, raw
– 2 oz Green beans
– 3 tablespoon Butter
– 6 oz Calf liver
– 0.5 oz Tomato paste
– 1.5 fl oz Heavy cream
– 1 oz Sweet potato

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  837.1
– Fat:  61.1 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 46.3 Grams ( 22% )
– Carbs:  25.5 Grams ( 12% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 71
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

It seems I still have more fat I can lose so I am back on Protocol. I’m excited about losing the fat, but am feeling a bit hungry still after eating such a scaled-back meal. I’m sure it’ll pass in a day or so. I already miss my chopped liver on my organ meat days.

[Note: Kym, you will remain hungry until you get into lipolysis. The brain takes about 72 hours to register the info needed (reduced calories) to make a major change (and opening fat stores is major), and you’ve been eating a lot of calories for a long time. Remember, in order to get into lipolysis, TWO conditions must be satisfied. First, you need low insulin, which you now have. But second, you need insufficient calorie intake for more than a day or two. Obviously Maintenance provides loads of calories, so in general, no lipolysis then. However, once you do go into lipolysis you won’t be hungry since you will then be ‘eating’ thousands of calories a day of your own excess adipose fat. :)]

Protocol Round 6, Week 1, Day 3 – 5/23/2012

Weight: 181.6 = down .4 pound

Lunch
– 8 oz, boneless, raw Salmon, raw
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 5 oz Beans, string, green, raw
– 1 oz Rice, brown, cooked, regular
– 3 tablespoon Butter
– 1 fl oz Cream, heavy, fluid
– 1 tbsp, drained Capers, canned
– 0.5 oz Onions, sweet, raw

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 825.5
– Fat: 59.5 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 53.6 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs: 18.9 Grams ( 9% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 77
– 1.5-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

TOM is right around the corner and everything gets whacky. Ketostix is Negative today. It happened before when TOM was a couple of days away. Could just be coincidence, but I have noticed it more than a couple of times. I got sidetracked at work so my 1 hour is actually the 1.5 hour reading. I went almost 24 hours without eating anything and did well. I felt a little hungry last night but it might’ve been just from smelling and preparing my lunch for today. I had a cup of black coffee and water and then I was fine.

Protocol Round 6, Week 1, Day 4 – 5/24/2012

Weight: 180.4 = down 1.2 pounds

Lunch
– 12 oz Chicken thigh
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 2 tablespoon Butter
– 1 oz Corn
– 1 fl oz Heavy cream

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  834
– Fat:  62.4 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 52.1 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs:  16.1 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 78
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

I was relieved of a heavy burden today so that is good. I wasn’t really hungry when lunchtime rolled around and felt full after I ate. Lots of energy. I also just realized that I’m almost half the size I was when I was at my largest wearing a size 20/22. I am now a size 10/12. It feels so good to realize this. Also, the bracelet I received this past Christmas is a lot looser as well. It still amazes me.

Protocol Round 6, Week 1, Day 5 – 5/25/2012

Weight: 179.4 = down 1 pound

Lunch
– 8 oz calf liver
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 3 T Butter
– .25 oz Tomato paste
– 1 oz Brown rice
– 1.5 fl oz Heavy cream

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 879
– Fat: 62.7 Grams ( 64% )
– Protein: 53.1 Grams ( 24% )
– Carbs: 25.6 Grams ( 12% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 100
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

Three days in a row I’ve had a negative reading on the ketostix. I’m not sure why. I was right about TOM and I really hate the cramps that suddenly set in before lunch. My one hour is 100. I haven’t seen 3 digits in a long time. Good news is they’re letting us off work early for the holiday weekend. Everyone enjoy their holiday!

Protocol Round 6, Week 1, Day 6 – 5/26/2012

Weight: 179 = down .4 pound

Lunch
– 8 oz Salmon
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 1 oz Sweet potato
– 3 T Butter
– 1 fl oz Heavy Cream
– .5 oz Onions
– 2 T Capers

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 835.5
– Fat: 59.5 Grams ( 64% )
– Protein: 56.6 Grams ( 27% )
– Carbs: 18.4 Grams ( 9% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

Protocol Round 6, Week 1, Day 7 – 5/27/2012

Weight: 178 = down 1 pound

Lunch
– 9 oz arm pot roast
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 1.5 T Butter
– 1 oz Brown rice

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 836.5
– Fat: 62.1 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 52.8 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs: 16.6 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 80
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

Protocol Round 6, Week 2, Day 1 – 5/28/2012

Weight: 177.6 = down .4 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 38″ = down 1”
Waist: 36″ = down .5”
Hips: 39″ = no change

Lunch
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 1 oz Sweet Potato
– 3 T Butter
– 1.5 fl oz Heavy Cream
– 8 oz Calf Liver

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 854
– Fat: 62.3 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 49.5 Grams ( 23% )
– Carbs: 23.7 Grams ( 11% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 104
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

Protocol Round 6, Week 2, Day 2 – 5/29/2012

Weight: 178.6 = up 1 pound

Lunch
– 10 oz Orange roughy
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 1 oz Brown rice
– 1.5 fl oz Heavy cream
– 3.5 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 821.8
– Fat: 59.4 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 54.2 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs: 17.6 Grams ( 9% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 80
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

I had a great holiday weekend. I hope everyone else did as well.

Protocol Round 6, Week 2, Day 3 – 5/30/2012

Weight: 179.4 = up .8 pound

Lunch
– 8 oz Calf liver
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 1 oz Corn
– 0.25 oz Tomato paste
– 1.5 fl oz Heavy cream
– 4 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 980
– Fat: 74.3 Grams ( 68% )
– Protein: 53.4 Grams ( 22% )
– Carbs: 24.5 Grams ( 10% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 80
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 101
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 103
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 97

My ketostix readings have been negative lately, so SugarFree upped the fat a little. We’ll see in the next few days if it has helped. My 1 and 2-hour PPs are both up slightly and the two hour went up instead of coming down. I have been battling a slight sore throat since yesterday.

[Note: Say no more. Your meter has been trying to tell you something for days, and now we both know what it is: you were fighting off something for the last few days and you’ve lost the battle. 🙁 Of course when that happens — as I know you KNOW — the body raises cortisol, which depresses insulin, which raises blood sugars. So the small amount of extra fat will help, but your blood sugars (and ketostix) won’t return to normal until your body is completely well again. No more starch carbs until then and reduce protein slightly.]

Protocol Round 6, Week 2, Day 4 – 5/31/2012

Weight: 178.6 = down .8 pound

Lunch
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 5 oz Green beans
– 3 T Butter
– 2 T Capers
– 1.5 fl oz Heavy cream
– 8 oz Smoked Salmon
– 2 T Cream Cheese

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  937
– Fat:  77 Grams ( 74% )
– Protein: 48 Grams ( 21% )
– Carbs:  13 Grams ( 5% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 87

I still have a sore throat. Sneezing, sniffling, and sore glands have been added as of this morning. I got little sleep because I kept waking up with a tickle in my throat. My Ketostix is still negative. I had some coconut oil in my tea last night and this morning. My meter readings are good without the starchy carb today. Since I’m still not feeling well, I’ll skip tomorrow too. I’ve kept tomorrow’s menu simple. I hope this is as bad as it gets. I don’t want what I had earlier this year. That was miserable.

Protocol Round 6, Week 2, Day 5 – 6/1/2012

Weight: 179 = up .4 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 81
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 77

It was a bacon, eggs, butter, and coconut oil day. I’m still feeling a bit under the weather but the sore throat is gone. 1 and 2 hour readings are low and Ketostix was moderate this morning. I just need a plug for my nose and the sneezing to stop and I’ll be good.

Protocol Round 6, Week 2, Day 6 – 6/2/2012

Weight: 177.4 = down 1.6 pounds

Ketostix: Moderate

Lunch
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 3 T Butter
– 8 oz Pork Shoulder

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  901
– Fat:  76 Grams ( 76% )
– Protein: 45 Grams ( 20% )
– Carbs:  10 Grams ( 4% )

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 89
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 83

I ate a regular meal today and did not finish it all. My stomach must’ve shrunk after not eating much since I was sick. I am still on a mend.

Protocol Round 6, Week 2, Day 7 – 6/3/2012

Weight: 177.4 = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Lunch
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 3 T Butter
– 8 oz Pork Shoulder

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  901
– Fat:  76 Grams ( 76% )
– Protein: 45 Grams ( 20% )
– Carbs:  10 Grams ( 4% )

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

I had a full meal again today. I felt a bit ravished as well and ate a little extra above what was on my menu. It is good that maintenance starts tomorrow as my body is telling me it is ready. I was really excited to make a batch of chopped liver. I always miss it when I’m on Protocol.

Maintenance Round 6, Week 1, Day 1– 6/4/2012

Weight: 178 = up .6 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 37.5″ = down .5”
Waist: 36″ = no change
Hips: 39″ = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

Wow! First day of Maintenance is always overwhelming. I am still super stuffed two hours after eating. I was hoping to be at 175 and expected more inch loss as I have been feeling as if my belly is much flatter.  Still, after getting over the little bug I had, my numbers are good. The berries were a delight. 🙂

[Note: Kym, you began Protocol weighing 182, with a waist of 36.5 and in just two weeks you lost four pounds and half an inch from you waist, and half an inch from your bust. Given how close you are to your fat-loss goal, this is tremendous. The average you will likely lose now on all subsequent Protocol phases is two to three pounds – TOTAL. You no longer have a lot of excess adipose fat to lose and therefore the brain will be very reluctant to let go of more.

Losses will continue as you go forward, but they will slow to a trickle. The most important thing is that despite eating thousands of calories a day on Maintenance you will not gain anything back – The Holy Grail of fat loss! So enjoy where you are — you worked hard to get here. :)]

Maintenance Round 6, Week 1, Day 2– 6/5/2012

Weight: 177 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 91
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 92

Wow! Another very filling lunch today. I went to bed still so full last night my lower abdominal area hurt. It is hurting again today after eating. I forgot how much food you eat on maintenance. Hopefully I’ll get used to it soon.

[Note: Given your negative ketostix, and your higher 2-hr PP, I believe something else is going on. Eating even a Maintenance meal would not cause abdominal pain of any kind, and certainly not two days in a row. Time to put on your Detective Hat!]

Maintenance Round 6, Week 2, Day 1– 6/11/2012

Weight: 179 = up 2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 37.5″ = no change
Waist: 36″ = no change
Hips: 39″ = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

As SugarFree suspected the last time I posted a report, a medical condition has kept me from following Maintenance since last Wednesday. I have been living on broth, mashed potatoes, and eggs, all with good fat such as butter and coconut oil. I am slowly reconditioning my body to handle food again.  Today I added greens  and will resume reporting. I have missed my leafy greens. I never really ate spinach prior to joining SugarFree, but now I absolutely love it and miss it when I can’t have it. Today I had bacon, eggs, butter, and spinach. Tomorrow I will try a maintenance meal but will only eat what my body can handle.

[Note: Kym, I hope you feel 100% better SOON!]

Maintenance Round 6, Week 2, Day 2– 6/12/2012

Weight: 180.2 = up 1.2 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 78
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 82

I woke up feeling really bloated. I didn’t feel so well after lunch. I’m not sure if I ate something bad or if it is residuals of the past week. I just want to get back to normal. I was really hungry at lunch time so my appetite is back. I just need to take it one day at a time.

Maintenance Round 6, Week 2, Day 3– 6/13/2012

Weight: 180.2 = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 80
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

I felt very energetic this morning. I ate spinach and chopped liver and good fats. I was able to handle it much better than yesterday, although not 100% yet. I’ll take another day with spinach and maybe a half regular serving of regular veggies plus my protein and fat. We’ll see how that goes.

Maintenance Round 6, Week 2, Day 4– 6/14/2012

Weight: 181.2 = up 1 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 73
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 84
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 81

I’m not sure what’s up with my numbers. Lazy insulin? Still trying to get back to normal from my health issue? I’m up 3.2 pounds since I started maintenance.

[Note: I know that you know the weight gain is all water, and that there is nothing whatsoever wrong with your insulin. The water will disappear once you’re 100% back to normal. It always does. :)]

The good news is that I ate my lunch without any issue and I was actually still a little hungry. I will try adding more veggies and maybe a starchy carb on Friday.

Maintenance Round 6, Week 2, Day 5– 6/15/2012

Weight: 180.2 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 73
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 107
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 84

I had an overly stressful morning. I was so stressed that I couldn’t eat all of my lunch because my stomach was in knots. My 1-hour PP shows it. It could’ve also been the potato since I have not had a starchy carb in about 4 days.

[Note: I know that you know it was the stress, not the potato. Stress raises cortisol, which depresses insulin, which raises blood sugars. I bet you can recite that in your sleep. :)]

I am going to have a fun day tomorrow. We are taking my boyfriend’s kids and my niece to Six Flags. It should be fun.

[Note: Have a great time!]

Maintenance Round 6, Week 2, Day 6– 6/16/2012

Weight: 179.2 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

It was family day at Six Flags and we had a great time.

Maintenance Round 6, Week 2, Day 7– 6/17/2012

Weight: 177 = down 2.2 pounds

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

We went out to eat for Father’s Day and I did well. My boyfriend wanted Mexican food and I always have a hard time finding something I can have there but I ordered Carne Asada. It came with beans and rice that I quickly placed on a separate plate. I did have three corn tortilla chips with sour cream and guacamole. My numbers turned out very well. I will admit I was apprehensive when testing, but all is well. It was a great day!

Maintenance Round 6, Week 3, Day 1– 6/18/2012

Weight: 179 = up 2 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 37.5″ = no change
Waist: 36″ = no change
Hips: 39″ = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 75
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 80
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 77

TOM is here today which accounts for the two-pound gain. What is good is that everything is back to normal and my numbers are showing it. I even had chocolate today!

Maintenance Round 6, Week 3, Day 2– 6/19/2012

Weight: 179.8 = up .8 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 74
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 78

I forgot to report yesterday that I was very excited to have bought a pair of size junior 11 shorts that fit beautifully. Everything seems to be back to normal.

[Note: If you’re now able to wear Junior size clothes, it means you’ve lost a lot of unmeasured fat in your tummy, thighs and derriere – fantastic!]

Maintenance Round 6, Week 3, Day 3– 6/20/2012

Weight: 179.4 = down .4 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 101
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98

I did not sleep well and have felt sleepy most of the day. I will not be reporting the next few days since I will be out of town.

Maintenance Round 6, Week 3, Day 7– 6/24/2012

Weight: 185 = up 5.6 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

I had a great vacation but am paying the price for eating way too many carbs. I am ashamed of my actions. I’ve done so well on other vacations but for some reason this time my self-control was pretty much non-existent. I have gained quite a bit of water weight as a result. Hopefully the water will release over the next few days of eating normally.

Maintenance Round 6, Week 4, Day 1– 6/25/2012

Weight: 185.6 = up .6 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 37.5″ = no change
Waist: 36″ = no change
Hips: 39″ = no change

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

My numbers are still within normal range even though I slipped up for a couple of days. My measurements also did not change. Now I just need to continue to eat right and wait for the water to release.

[Note: “Eating right” will entail no starchy veg or fruit for the coming week or weeks, long enough to wring all the excess water out of your system, ensure you stay ketone adapted (you’ve shown negative on the ketostix for the weekend), and get you back to burning fat again. Your blood sugars are fine — you’ve become much more insulin sensitive over the last few months — but this is the first week in many weeks that you’ve lost no fat at all. Time to get back on the straight and narrow. :)]

Maintenance Round 6, Week 4, Day 2– 6/26/2012

Weight: 183 = down 2.6 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

Back on the straight and narrow today. No fruit or starchy carb. I felt a bit overloaded with fat. I cooked my calf liver in tallow with a little bit of heavy cream. My numbers are a bit higher than normal for me but still within normal range.

Maintenance Round 6, Week 4, Day 3– 6/27/2012

Weight: 181.8 = down 1.2 pounds

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 82
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

The water is leaving, but my ketostix is still negative. I found out yesterday that I will need surgery in the next six months. I guess it’s better to do it now rather than wait for something really bad to happen.

Maintenance Round 6, Week 4, Day 3– 6/27/2012

Weight: 181 = down .8 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 78
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 81
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 86

I could not eat all of my lunch today. My numbers are good and Ketostix is better.

Maintenance Round 6, Week 4, Day 5– 6/29/2012

Weight: 180 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 74
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 83
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 80

I felt better today but not 100%. I’ll continue a scaled back menu until I’m comfortable enough to have a full menu again.

Note to all SugarFree’s Readers — Monday, July 9, 2012

As most of you know from my reports the last few weeks, I have been struggling with a medical issue, and I’ve now determined that surgery is the best option. I have been miserable, unable to eat even one complete meal, and I am anxious to have the surgery so I can get back to normal. I will be taking a medical hiatus from reporting and will return again once my surgery is done and I’ve completely recovered. That should be by October, or perhaps a little before.

Good luck to all the other Participants; I will still follow your progress.

[Note: Kym, I know I speak for everyone here when I send the very best wishes your way for a successful surgery and quick recovery! Take care of yourself — we will all be thinking of you. :)]

Protocol Round 7, Week 1, Day 1 – 10/8

Weight: 193 = up 13 pounds

Measurements:

Bust: 40″ = up 2.5”
Waist: 38.5 ″ = up 2.5”
Hips: 43″ = up 4”

Meal
– 5 oz Green beans
– 11 oz Calf liver
– 2.5 T Butter
– 1 fl oz Heavy Cream
– 1 oz Potato
– 8 serving Kale, raw – 1 oz

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 858
– Fat: 55 Grams ( 58% )
– Protein: 66 Grams ( 31% )
– Carbs: 25 Grams ( 11% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 97
1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
2-hour PP (after lunch): 93

I’m back! It has been quite the learning experience since the last time I reported. I had my surgery the end of August and all went well, but the recovery was tough. I was in a lot of pain and it has taken a while for my digestive system to get back on track. Sadly, after looking at how much weight and fat I regained I now know that part of the reason is because I let myself fall back into my old ways of eating.

I ate processed foods at home and in restaurants, including fast food, and yes, I ate sugar again despite all the warnings SugarFree gave me about what would happen if I ever did — all because it was “easier.” As you can see in my measurements I have gained a lot of fat back along with thirteen pounds since I last reported in July. To put that into context, it took me six whole months to lose 32 pounds, and I gained back over forty percent of it in just over three months!

My fat gain is even worse. Over six months I lost 18 inches of fat — and have regained 9 of those inches in just over three months, a full fifty percent!

This taught me a lot, and I hope others can learn from my mistake. Once we’ve become insulin resistant, we can NEVER go back to eating a “normal American” diet of processed foods and sugar — no matter how insulin sensitive we may become on Protocol. Never, as in: Not Ever.

What I have also learned (actually always knew in the back of my head), is that following the SugarFree Protocol is not some fad diet but a new way of eating for life. As you can see: if you do not do this, the insulin resistance (and/or diabetes) as well as the fat comes back, and it comes back a heck of a lot faster than it took to lose. I worked so hard for six months, and blew a lot of that hard work in three months of ignoring the truth about my body.

I had a difficult time eating my meal today. I have not eaten that much food in one meal since June or July. I was so stuffed after eating. My fasting glucose was higher than it had become but still within normal range under 100. The same with my 1 and 1-hour PP. I expected worse.

[Note: Kym, welcome back! I’m sorry you had to learn such a crucial lesson the hard way, but the good news is that you will very likely never do this again. The bad news is that your fat gain shows your insulin resistance is as bad (or worse) as it was when you began Protocol — which means that your ‘okay’ postprandial glucose numbers are being artificially depressed by the excess insulin you now have in your blood 24/7. The results of an insulin test right now would not be pretty. So, it’s time to get on the wagon once and for all, with new insight and hopefully new dedication to become truly healthy — and to stay that way for the rest of your life. :)]

Protocol Round 7, Week 1, Day 2 – 10/9

Weight: 191.4 = down 1.6 pounds

Meal
– 8 oz Spinach
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 2.5 tablespoon Butter
– 10 oz Salmon
– 1 oz Sour cream

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 784
– Fat: 52 Grams ( 60% )
– Protein: 68 Grams ( 35% )
– Carbs: 11 Grams ( 6% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 90
1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

Day Two is not agreeing with me. After just a few bites, my gut started feeling “weird.” I can’t really describe it. Almost like a “sizzling” feeling I guess you can say and tightening of the stomach. I did have this same type of experience often after surgery as well. I had a really difficult time finishing all my food today. It took me about forty minutes to finish eating and still I left a little behind. The good news for yesterday though is that I was not hungry or tempted all evening to eat anything. I actually felt really good and had energy until after I started eating today. I just need to be patient and allow my healthy eating repair my body.

[Note: Kym, given your description of the last three months after surgery, it sounds like instead of training your body to eat real food from the get-go, you decided to eat easy-to-digest, sugar-filled junk food. All the stuff you were eating before you began Protocol. Your digestive system is no longer used to processing real, whole foods — but slowly demanding that it does is the only option. It will take a while, but if you keep at it, it will happen!]

Protocol Round 7, Week 1, Day 3 – 10/10

Weight: 188.4 = down 3 pounds

Meal
– 8 oz Swiss Chard
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 15 oz Chicken thigh
– 2 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 795
– Fat: 58 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 59 Grams ( 30% )
– Carbs: 10 Grams ( 5% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 86
1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

Things went better after eating than yesterday. I had some issues but not as severe, and I had a lot of energy this morning. I felt thinner when I woke up and am already feeling better mentally. Today has been a good day.

Protocol Round 7, Week 1, Day 4 – 10/11

Weight: 187.4 = down 1 pound

Meal
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 serving Kale
– 10 oz Tuna, fresh
– 1 oz Homemade Mayo
– 2.5 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 808
– Fat: 54 Grams ( 60% )
– Protein: 70 Grams ( 35% )
– Carbs: 10 Grams ( 5% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 75
1-hour PP (after lunch): 80
2-hour PP (after lunch): 72

Other than being full from my meal, everything else went fine. I haven’t had any of the issues that I’ve had the past few days. Everything else is going well.

Protocol Round 7, Week 1, Day 5 – 10/12

Weight: 186.6 = down .8 pound

Meal
– 1 fl oz Heavy Cream
– 11 oz Calf Liver
– 8 oz Spinach
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 2.5 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  852
– Fat:  55 Grams ( 58% )
– Protein: 69 Grams ( 32% )
– Carbs:  20 Grams ( 9% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 73
1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
2-hour PP (after lunch): 87

I haven’t felt well today. It wasn’t the usual digestive problems, but those returned within an hour after eating. I thought yesterday it was getting better but it kicked in after I reported. Just impatiently waiting for it all to get better. I was not hungry when lunch time came around but I did eat all of my food. I am still feeling overly full two hours after eating.

[Note: I’m sorry to hear that today wasn’t good, Kym — but getting better always seems to involve a few steps forward and another one back. 🙁 Hang in there – it will improve!]

Protocol Round 7, Week 1, Day 6 – 10/13

Weight: 184.6 = down 2 pounds

Meal
– .75 tbsp Fat, duck
– 1 tablespoon Butter
– 8 oz Swiss Chard
– 5 oz Green beans
– 11 oz Sirloin

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 813
– Fat: 56 Grams ( 62% )
– Protein: 67 Grams ( 33% )
– Carbs: 10 Grams ( 5% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 79
1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

Protocol Round 7, Week 1, Day 7 – 10/14

Weight: 184.4 = down .2 pound

Meal
– 11 oz Pork, fresh, loin
– 4 oz Broccoli, raw – 1 oz
– 4 oz Kale, raw – 1 oz
– 5 oz Beans, string, green, raw
– 1 T Fat, duck
– 1 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 871
– Fat: 64 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 64 Grams ( 30% )
– Carbs: 10 Grams ( 5% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 78
1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
2-hour PP (after lunch): 79

Protocol Round 7, Week 2, Day 1 – 10/15

Weight: 184.2 = down .2 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = down 1”
Waist: 37.5 ″ = down 1”
Hips: 42″ = down 1”

Meal
– 12 oz Mahi Mahi
– 3 T Butter
– 4 oz Kale
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 1 T Fat, duck
– 1 oz Potatoes

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 771
– Fat: 50 Grams ( 58% )
– Protein: 66 Grams ( 34% )
– Carbs: 15 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 75
1-hour PP (after lunch): 82
2-hour PP (after lunch): 79

I had a good weekend. We took the kids to Six Flags FrightFest on Saturday. I am still struggling with the same digestive issues but I believe it is getting better. Today wasn’t as bad as it has been. I’m pleased to see that I have lost a total of three inches and almost nine pounds my first week back on Protocol. I know the weight loss will slow down the second week but I will continue to burn fat so I look forward to more inches lost next Monday.

Protocol Round 7, Week 2, Day 2 – 10/16

Weight: 184.6 = up .4 pound

Meal
– 12 oz Chicken Liver
– 1 fl oz Heavy Cream
– 2 tablespoon Butter
– 8 oz Spinach
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 1 oz Potato

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 770
– Fat: 50 Grams ( 58% )
– Protein: 65 Grams ( 34% )
– Carbs: 15 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 65
1-hour PP (after lunch): 75
2-hour PP (after lunch): 78

I was hungry before meal time but was able to hold off. Haven’t had chicken livers not made into chopped liver in a long time. I did not like chicken liver at all when I first tried them but since liver is very important as part of SugarFree’s Protocol I ate calves liver, which was tastier than chicken liver. I had some chicken liver in the freezer and decided to give it another try. Surprise! I actually like chicken liver better than calves liver now. I prepared it as I did before but this time added thyme to the sauce. I really enjoyed it.

Protocol Round 7, Week 2, Day 3 – 10/17

Weight: 185.2 = up .6 pound

Meal
– 2 T Butter
– 4 oz Kale
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 1 oz Brown Rice
– 10 oz Tuna
– 1 oz Homemade Mayo

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 787
– Fat: 49 Grams ( 56% )
– Protein: 70 Grams ( 35% )
– Carbs: 17 Grams ( 9% )

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 65
1-hour PP (after lunch): 82
2-hour PP (after lunch): 77

I had plenty of energy to get me through my busy work day. I had slight hunger about two hours prior to my normal meal time but kept myself busy to forget about it. I will say my pants are really loose today. Thumbs up to that!

Protocol Round 7, Week 2, Day 4 – 10/18

Weight: 184.6 = down .6 pound

Meal
– 5 oz Chicken Liver
– 6 oz Beef Liver
– 1 fl oz Heavy cream
– 2 T Butter
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 8 oz Spinach
– 1 oz Brown Rice

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 797
– Fat: 50 Grams ( 56% )
– Protein: 65 Grams ( 33% )
– Carbs: 22 Grams ( 11% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 68
1-hour PP (after lunch): 70
2-hour PP (after lunch): 78

I was freezing all morning then after eating got hot and flushed. I think I might have a stomach bug or something. Hopefully it won’t last long.

[Note: Kym, it sounds like you’re either fighting off something, or coming down with it. If so, go immediately to the ‘sick’ Protocol menu until you are 100% better. Hope you feel well soon!]

Protocol Round 7, Week 2, Day 5 – 10/19

Weight: 185 = up .4 pound

Meal
– 2 tablespoon Butter
– 2 large Egg, whole, raw
– 2 oz Pork, cured, bacon, raw

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  609
– Fat:  59 Grams ( 86% )
– Protein: 19 Grams ( 13% )
– Carbs:  1 Grams ( 1% )

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 63
1-hour PP (after lunch): 70
2-hour PP (after lunch): 73

I’m feeling a bit better today and I felt fine after eating. If I feel okay tomorrow I’ll go back to a Protocol menu tomorrow and Sunday, and Maintenance starts Monday.

Protocol Round 7, Week 2, Day 6 – 10/20

Weight: 184.2 = down .8 pound

Meal
– 16 oz Chicken, thigh, skin eaten
– 5 oz Green beans
– 1.25 T Butter
– 8 oz Swiss Chard
– 1 oz Sweet potato

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  777
– Fat:  51 Grams ( 60% )
– Protein: 63 Grams ( 32% )
– Carbs:  16 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 69
1-hour PP (after lunch): 77
2-hour PP (after lunch): 72

Protocol Round 7, Week 2, Day 7 – 10/21

Weight: 183.2 = down 1 pound

Meal
– 4 oz Swiss Chard
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 1 oz Potatoes
– 10 oz Top Sirloin
– 2 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  812
– Fat:  55 Grams ( 61% )
– Protein: 65 Grams ( 32% )
– Carbs:  14 Grams ( 7% )

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 66
1-hour PP (after lunch): 83
2-hour PP (after lunch): 73

Maintenance Round 7, Week 1, Day 1 – 10/22

Weight: 182.8 = down .4 pound

Measurements:
Chest: 38.8″ = down .5”
Waist: 37″ = down .5”
Hips: 41″ = down 1″

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 78
1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
2-hour PP (after lunch): 79

I had a great weekend. Not everything is back to normal but I do think it is getting better. Today is my first day on Maintenance and I forgot how much food there is. So much fat seemed wrong, but I know it is the right way to eat. And I will probably go up on the scale tomorrow (as I always do when I start Maintenance) but it will stabilize in a few days. My 1 and – hour PP are very good considering I added an extra ounce of starchy carb. I didn’t get much sleep last night but I still feel energized today. I’m glad to be back on Protocol. After two weeks I am down ten pounds and five inches!

[Note: Kym, this is a great report. Your body is clearly happy with eating right again. :D]

Maintenance Round 7, Week 1, Day 2 – 10/23

Weight: 183.4 = up .6 pound

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 66
1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

Everything went well today.

Maintenance Round 7, Week 1, Day 3 – 10/24

Weight: 184 = up .6 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 78
1-hour PP (after lunch): 84
2-hour PP (after lunch): 79

Day two of maintenance and I am up another .6 pound. When I submitted my menu yesterday for today, SugarFree suggested I remove my starchy carb to try to head off water weight gain. I will omit the starchy carb until Saturday, sooner if it’s under control. I also have the looming time of month that always messes with BG and weight. I’m confident it will all normalize in a few days.

And … great news … I’m back in my size 12’s and it feels great. I thought I’d give it a try with my dress pants this morning and they fit fine. I wore 12 jeans yesterday and this past weekend. 🙂

I tried something a little different with my veggies. I love roasted vegetables. I usually dry roast them and fatten ‘em up after they are cooked. This time I took the leaf lard portion, melted it a bit, then stirred in my veggies and roasted them in the oven. They did not get “crisp” like they usually do but they still have the roasted flavor. They were delicious.

[Note: Kym, I just assumed everyone was following my roast veggie recipe, which always calls for fat before roasting. If you want them crisp, just preheat the oven to 400 for at least THIRTY minutes. Use olive oil (you don’t need to add it to fitday), crushed garlic if you like — I always do — and salt. Roast 20-25 minutes for veggies, leafy stuff less, thick broccoli more, and potatoes for 30-35. Delicious!]

Maintenance Round 7, Week 1, Day 4 – 10/25

Weight: 183 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 76
1-hour PP (after lunch): 74
2-hour PP (after lunch): 73

One pound of water weight is gone, so cutting out the starch carbs for a few days was the right way to go. 🙂 I had the most delicious chopped liver for lunch. If you haven’t tried SugarFree’s recipe, you should. It’s so good.

Maintenance Round 7, Week 1, Day 5 – 10/26

Weight: 183.4 = up .4 pound

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 60
1-hour PP (after lunch): 76
2-hour PP (after lunch): 74

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Maintenance Round 7, Week 1, Day 6 – 10/27

Weight: 183.2 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 73
1-hour PP (after lunch): 80
2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

Maintenance Round 7, Week 1, Day 7 – 10/28

Weight: 183.4 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 73
1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
2-hour PP (after lunch): 84

Maintenance Round 7, Week 2, Day 1 – 10/29

Measurements:
Chest: 38.5″ = no change
Waist: 36.5″ = down .5″
Hips: 40.75″ = down .25″

Weight: 183.2 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 73
1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

I had a stressful weekend with little sleep. Today I’ve had a headache, probably because it’s also TOM. I did make my favorite fall meal of Maintenance-approved chili yesterday that even the kids LOVED!

Maintenance Round 7, Week 2, Day 2 – 10/30

Weight: 185.2 = up 2 pounds

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 73
1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

Another headache today. I think it’s a stress headache. It starts at the back of my neck and up to my temples. I feel bloated, and am retaining water. TOM is gone so I’m not sure where this is coming from.

[Note: It’s coming from stress. You’ve gone through this several times, and the results remain the same. When your body believes you’re under attack, cortisol rises and muscles get ready for fight or flight. Which means they retain water and utilize a lot of sodium, which in Protocol is already limited.

Meditation will help with the stress AND the headache. And adding half a sugar-free chicken bouillon cube in warm water to your meal will let your body dump the retained water. :)]

Maintenance Round 7, Week 2, Day 3 – 10/31

Weight: 184.8 = down .4 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 79
1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

The headache finally went away and the stress has lessened. Thanks to the extra sodium I don’t feel as bloated as I did yesterday, so everything is a little better.

Maintenance Round 7, Week 2, Day 4 – 11/1

Weight: 185 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 71
1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

Nothing exciting for me to report today. I can’t believe it’s November already. I hope all is well with my East Coast friends.

[Note: Kym, as someone who lives on the east coast, thank you for your well wishes. However, for hundreds of thousands, things won’t ‘be well’ again for months, if not a year or two. The devastation is continuing, people are dying, gas mains are exploding and burning wide swaths of homes to the ground, with firefighters unable to get through the debris to stop the destruction. Tens of thousands of people are stranded in increasingly sewer-filled water with no food, anything to drink, or power. Entire towns (including hospitals, schools, factories, stores (along with their jobs) and infrastructure are GONE. And this is day four.

I would urge you, and anyone reading this to donate blood or money to the Red Cross or a local charity near you. Hurricane Sandy may have lasted two days, but the after effects will be felt for years.]

Maintenance Round 7, Week 2, Day 5 – 11/2

Weight: 184.2 = down .8 pound

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 72
1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
2-hour PP (after lunch): 80

My thoughts and prayers are with those dealing with the aftermath of Sandy.

Maintenance Round 7, Week 2, Day 6 – 11/3

Weight: 183.2 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 69
1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

Maintenance Round 7, Week 2, Day 7 – 11/4

Weight: 183 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 68
1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

Maintenance Round 7, Week 3, Day 1 – 11/5

Measurements:
Chest: 38.5″ = no change
Waist: 36.5″ = no change
Hips: 40.5″ = down .25″

Weight: 183 = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 67
1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
2-hour PP (after lunch): 80

I had a fine weekend. Not much to report.

Maintenance Round 7, Week 3, Day 2 – 11/6

Weight: 183.4 = up .4 pound

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 68
1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
2-hour PP (after lunch): 80

I felt really full after eating. The chicken livers with rice were tasty.

Maintenance Round 7, Week 3, Day 3 – 11/7

Weight: 185 = up 1.6 pounds

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 69
1-hour PP (after lunch): 78
2-hour PP (after lunch): 69

I feel alert and energized today despite not getting enough sleep due to stress. I need to meditate as SugarFree suggested to relieve it. It just doesn’t seem to end. I am, however, taking a mini-vacation to celebrate my birthday this weekend. I hope to leave all my worries behind for a few days and just enjoy myself. We leave early tomorrow morning and will return on Sunday. I will not be reporting until Monday. I hope everyone has a good weekend.

[Note: Have a Happy, Happy Birthday and enjoy your trip!]

Maintenance Round 7, Week 4, Day 1 – 11/12

Weight: 185 = no change

Measurements:
Chest: 38.5″ = no change
Waist: 36.5″ = no change
Hips: 40.5″ = no change

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 71
1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

I had a great weekend getaway and birthday. It was difficult going back to work today. I did well making the right choices when eating. It wasn’t always easy but it could be done. I did take my own butter with me though. I was pleased when I got on the scale to see no increase in weight.

Maintenance Round 7, Week 4, Day 2 – 11/13

Weight: 184.8 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 75
1-hour PP (after lunch): 82
2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

Last night I became famished. I had to eat something. I ate a salad with olive oil and vinegar and a piece of cheese. I was okay after that and good until today’s meal.

Maintenance Round 7, Week 4, Day 3 – 11/14

Weight: 184.8 = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 76
1-hour PP (after lunch): 82
2-hour PP (after lunch): 76

I did better yesterday evening due to SugarFree adding more fat to my menu. I was satisfied after my meal and did not feel the need to eat anything last night.

Maintenance Round 7, Week 4, Day 4 – 11/15

Weight: 185 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 70
1-hour PP (after lunch): 83
2-hour PP (after lunch): 75

So busy with work I almost forgot to do my report!

Maintenance Round 7, Week 4, Day 5 – 11/16

Weight: 184 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 72
1-hour PP (after lunch): 80
2-hour PP (after lunch): 77

Everyone have a great weekend!

Maintenance Round 7, Week 4, Day 6 – 11/17

Weight: 183.8 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 72
1-hour PP (after lunch): 85
2-hour PP (after lunch): 80

Maintenance Round 7, Week 4, Day 7 – 11/18

Weight: 184 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 73
1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
2-hour PP (after lunch): 79

Maintenance Round 7, Week 5, Day 1 – 11/19

Weight: 184 = no change

Measurements:
Chest: 38.5″ = no change
Waist: 36.5″ = no change
Hips: 41″ = up .5”

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 77
1-hour PP (after lunch): 84
2-hour PP (after lunch): 77

I had an overly active weekend but made it through. Now I’m preparing for Thanksgiving and lots of shopping. I am also so ready for the four-day weekend. Work has me super stressed out.

Protocol Round 8, Week 1, Day 2 – 11/20

Weight: 184 = no change

Meal
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 4 tablespoon Butter
– 9 oz boneless Salmon
– 1 oz Corn, raw
– 8 oz Spinach

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 866
– Fat: 62 Grams ( 64% )
– Protein: 62 Grams ( 29% )
– Carbs: 15 Grams ( 7% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 77
1-hour PP (after lunch): 82
2-hour PP (after lunch): 74

Oops… I’m back on Protocol, as I should have been yesterday. I’ve just been so crazy busy with everything it completely slipped my mind. Good thing I have SugarFree to keep me honest. It’ll be tough with Thanksgiving this week but I’ve done it before and I’m still here.   My BG numbers turned out well the first day considering usually it rises without the added fat.

[Note: What I tell all Participants is to enjoy Thanksgiving. Eat meat, a bit of stuffing, lots of wonderful veggies and by all means a little sweet potato or mashed potato as long as there’s no sugar and you add extra butter and/or cream. Don’t count calories for heaven’s sake — just stay away from anything with sugar in it, and you’ll be fine. :)]

Protocol Round 8, Week 1, Day 3 – 11/21

Weight: 183.6 = down .4 pound

Meal
– 9 oz, boneless, raw Tuna, fresh, raw
– 4 oz Broccoli, raw – 1 oz
– 4 oz Swiss Chard, raw – 1 oz
– 3 tablespoon Butter
– 5 oz Beans, string, green, raw
– 1 oz Homemade Mayo
– 1 oz Sweet potato, raw

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 856
– Fat: 60 Grams ( 63% )
– Protein: 64 Grams ( 30% )
– Carbs: 16 Grams ( 7% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 76
1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
2-hour PP (after lunch): 81

I thought the scale would’ve been a little lighter than .4 pound. It’ll probably take a couple of days since this is my second round after my hiatus and round 8 total. The body just needs to realize it’s famine time and needs to use the stored fat for energy. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am really looking forward to spending quality time with my family and of course 4 days off of work.

[Note: You may have forgotten, but sometimes it takes until Week 2 of switching from Maintenance to Protocol for any real fat or weight loss – and you may need to reduce protein a bit to get there as well. But … that’s for next week. For tomorrow, just enjoy a well-deserved rest with friends and family. Happy T-Day!]

Protocol Round 8, Week 1, Day 4 – 11/22

Weight: 183.6 = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 71
1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
3-hour PP (after lunch): 80

Turkey DAY! I had more starchy carbs than usual and possibly a tiny bit of sugar based on my 1 hour. I asked if anything had sugar in food others made and they said no. Things I was leery about I had only a teeny tiny portion. I made the potatoes so I knew I was good there. I got busy visiting and forgot to take my 2 hour. My 3 hour came back down.

Protocol Round 8, Week 1, Day 5 – 11/23

Weight: 185.6 =up 2 pounds

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 73
1-hour PP (after lunch): 80
2-hour PP (after lunch): 71

Protocol Round 8, Week 1, Day 6 – 11/24

Weight: 185 = down .6 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 67
1-hour PP (after lunch): 71
2-hour PP (after lunch): 66

Protocol Round 8, Week 1, Day 7 – 11/25

Weight: 184.6 = down .4 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 64
1-hour PP (after lunch): 72
2-hour PP (after lunch): 64

I had a hard time getting my head back into protocol after Thanksgiving. I was away from my computer and didn’t make enough effort to create my daily menus. I did not veer from healthy eating and stayed somewhere between protocol and maintenance the rest of the weekend. Monday my mind will be back into it and ready to be on Protocol again.

Protocol Round 8, Week 2, Day 1 – 11/26

Weight: 185 = up .4 pound

Measurements:
Chest: 39″ = up .5”
Waist: 37″ = up .5”
Hips: 40.5″ = down .5”

Meal
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 11 oz Chicken, liver
– 1.5 fl oz Cream, heavy, fluid
– 2 T Butter
– 8 oz Spinach
– 1 large Egg, whole

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  848
– Fat:  60 Grams ( 64% )
– Protein: 66 Grams ( 31% )
– Carbs:  12 Grams ( 5% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 70
1-hour PP (after lunch): 77
2-hour PP (after lunch): 72

Though I lost half an inch in my hips I gained back an inch of fat in my chest and waist, and my weight is up 1.4 pounds since Wednesday. Still, I am feeling good today with a new week and a fresh start back on Protocol.  I decided to start my week with some yummy chicken liver and this time I added an egg for a Protocol-friendly chopped liver. It was delicious. Back on track and no more cheating.

Protocol Round 8, Week 2, Day 2 – 11/27

Weight: 184.4 = down .6 pound

Meal
– 12 oz Pork chop, lean and fat eaten
– 5 oz Beans, string, green, raw
– 3 T Butter
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Swiss Chard
– 1 oz Corn

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  859
– Fat:  63 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 57 Grams ( 27% )
– Carbs:  16 Grams ( 7% )

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 64
1-hour PP (after lunch): 73
2-hour PP (after lunch): 64

I woke up with a headache this morning, that went away on its own. I did have the most fabulous pork chop that I pan seared in an iron skillet then finished in the oven. I think I like Swiss chard better than spinach.

Protocol Round 8, Week 2, Day 3 – 11/28

Weight: 184 = down .4 pound

Meal
– 8.5 oz shrimp
– 3 T Butter
– 8 oz Swiss Chard
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 2 T Fat, duck
– 1 oz Potatoes

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  869
– Fat:  65 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 55 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs:  17 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 70
1-hour PP (after lunch): 76
2-hour PP (after lunch): 69

I woke up alert, and with a ton of energy that has continued throughout the day. I’m ready to conquer the world. I’m down one pound in two days by staying on track with Protocol. I can tell this is going to be a fat loss week as I feel thinner already. I look forward to seeing my measurements on Monday. I’m not sure why I haven’t had shrimp more often. I loved it today sautéed with duck fat and butter – it was delicious. I also thinly sliced the potatoes and fried them in the duck fat. Wow. 🙂

Protocol Round 8, Week 2, Day 4 – 11/29

Weight: 183.4 = down .6 pound

Meal
– 5 oz Beans, string, green, raw
– 2.5 T Butter
– 8 oz Spinach
– 1 oz Rice, brown, cooked, regular
– 2 T Fat, beef tallow
– 9 oz Beef, liver

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 905
– Fat: 64 Grams ( 64% )
– Protein: 56 Grams ( 24% )
– Carbs: 27 Grams ( 12% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 70
1-hour PP (after lunch): 78
2-hour PP (after lunch): 71

Today’s meal was good and filling. I was barely able to eat it all, but did. I had no hunger and lots of energy before my meal. Day two of having lots of energy is nice.

Protocol Round 8, Week 2, Day 5 – 11/30

Weight: 183.4 = no change

Meal
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 2 T Butter
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Swiss Chard
– 1 oz Corn
– 8 oz Salmon
– 2 T Fat, duck

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 849
– Fat: 63 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 56 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs: 15 Grams ( 7% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 73
1-hour PP (after lunch): 71
2-hour PP (after lunch): 75

Everything is still going well with energy and alertness.

Protocol Round 8, Week 2, Day  6 – 12/1

Weight: 183.2 = down .2 pound

Meal
– 8 oz Swiss Chard
– 0.5 T beef tallow
– 9.5 oz Beef
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 0.5 T Butter
– 1 oz Potato

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  839
– Fat:  62 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 55 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs:  15 Grams ( 7% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 82
1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

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

Weight: 182.4 = down 1 pound

Meal
– 11 oz Pork steak
– 4 oz Spinach
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 1 oz Rice, brown, cooked
– 1.5 T Lard
– 1.5 T Butter
– 4 oz Broccoli

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  822
– Fat:  61 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 53 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs:  16 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 78
1-hour PP (after lunch): 91
2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

Protocol Round 8, Week 3, Day 1 – 12/3

Weight: 182.6 = up .2 pound

Measurements:
Chest: 38.5″ = down .5”
Waist: 36.5″ = down .5”
Hips: 39″ = down 1.5”

Meal
– 11 oz Chicken liver
– 5 oz green beans
– 2 tbsp Fat, duck
– 4 oz Kale
– 2 tablespoon Butter
– 1 oz Potato
– 4 oz Swiss Chard

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  857
– Fat:  64 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 56 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs:  15 Grams ( 7% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 77
1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
2-hour PP (after lunch): 73

I’m pleased to see fat loss this week come closer to what my measurements were prior to surgery. I went to Whole Foods over the weekend to stock up on chicken liver and hoped they had calves liver but no luck this time. They don’t keep it in stock so I just check when I go to get the chicken liver.

[Note: You might be better off finding an actual butcher and asking for veal liver. It’s calves liver by a more common name. And a butcher can get you pork bellies (mmm!), split marrow bones (fat heaven, roasted) and a lot of other fatty, cheap cuts of meat that are wonderful when braised.]

I have an appointment with my doc on Wednesday to discuss and get a prescription for Metformin. I have had no hunger between meals. During the week, my schedule is fairly consistent so I eat based on my lunch break, but on the weekends, I tend to get busy and actually forget I need to eat. It’s kind of funny because who forgets to eat. 😀

[Note: A simple formula for Protocol: Lack of Appetite = Fat Loss + Energy. The reason you ‘forget to eat’ is because you are eating 24/7 – you’re just not doing it with a fork. Losing inches in any given week means you have been consuming thousands of adipose fat calories daily. No fork required. :)]

Protocol Round 8, Week 3, Day 2 – 12/4

Weight: 182.8 = up .2 pound

Meal
– 8.5 oz Shrimp
– 8 oz Swiss Chard
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 2.5 tbsp Fat, duck
– 2.5 tablespoon Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 854
– Fat: 65 Grams ( 69% )
– Protein: 55 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs: 12 Grams ( 6% )

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 68
1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
2-hour PP (after lunch): 86

All is well.

Protocol Round 8, Week 3, Day 3 – 12/5

Weight: 183.2 = up .4 pound

Meal
– 10 oz Chicken, liver
– 1 large Egg
– 1 fl oz Cream, heavy, fluid
– 5 oz Beans, string, green, raw
– 8 oz Spinach
– 1 T Butter
– 2 T Fat, duck
– 1 oz Potato

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  898
– Fat:  66 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 58 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs:  16 Grams ( 7% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 77
1-hour PP (after lunch): N/A
2-hour PP (after lunch): N/A

Oops – I left the house without my BG monitor so I was unable to take my PP readings. Other than that, the chopped liver I made was delicious. I didn’t feel well last night but feel great today. My weight is up again … I’m sure it’s water, probably because of all the fat I lost last week — 2.5 inches! And my size twelve clothes fit beautifully; even better than they did two weeks ago. I also saw the doctor today to get a prescription for Metformin. Although he does not agree with everything he is open to alternatives, and gave me my prescription without issue. I had so much energy after seeing him I did some shopping and feel great. I told the doc about having a lot of energy and he asked what I attributed it to. I told him it’s because I follow the SugarFree Protocol. He said that’s great, and to keep it up. I said I planned on it. 😀

Protocol Round 8, Week 3, Day 4 – 12/6

Weight: 182.8 = down .4 pound

Meal
– 9 oz Fish, cod, Atlantic
– 4 oz Swiss Chard
– 4 oz Spinach
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 1 oz Rice, brown, cooked, regular
– 2.5 T Butter
– 2.5 T Fat, duck

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  841
– Fat:  63 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 52 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs:  16 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 78
1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

Lost some of that water weight. A good day.

Protocol Round 8, Week 3, Day 5 – 12/7

Weight: 182.2 = down .6 pound

Meal
– 4 oz Swiss Chard
– 4 oz Spinach
– 5 oz green Beans
– 1.5 tablespoon Butter
– 1 tbsp beef tallow
– 1 oz Corn
– 9 oz Beef

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 819
– Fat: 59 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 56 Grams ( 27% )
– Carbs: 16 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 78
1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

Today is the first day in a while that I was really hungry hours before my scheduled lunch. I was able to old off for a little while but ended up eating earlier than normal. I think it’s a sign that my body is ready for Maintenance, which starts Monday.

[Note: It is exactly that! So go ahead and start a day early, on Sunday. :)]

Protocol Round 8, Week 3, Day 6 – 12/8

Weight: 181.4 = down .8 pound

Meal
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 4 oz Swiss Chard
– 4 oz , raw – 1 oz
– 1 oz Sweet potato
– 1.5 T Fat, duck
– 1 T Butter
– 13 oz Chicken, thigh, skin eaten

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 830
– Fat: 61 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 55 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs: 16 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 75
1-hour PP (after lunch): 80
2-hour PP (after lunch): 76

Protocol Round 8, Week 3, Day 7 – 12/9

Weight: 181.6 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 75
1-hour PP (after lunch): 80
2-hour PP (after lunch): 76

I started Maintenance a day early. It was a task to finish all my food but I did. I had a lot of energy. We got our tree and decorated it. I didn’t have time to make my batch of chopped liver but plan on doing it Monday.

Maintenance Round 8, Week 1, Day 1 – 12/10

Weight: 183 = up 1.4 pounds

Measurements:
Chest: 38.25″ = down .25”
Waist: 36.25″ = down .25”
Hips: 39″ = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 86
1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
2-hour PP (after lunch): 79

I am up on the scale today but I lost more fat last week so I’m sure it’s water gain since it’s impossible for humans to gain over a pound of fat overnight. I would also like to point out something to all the Participants and SugarFree readers. I am up .2 pound from the first day of my last round of Maintenance; but I’ve lost three full inches of fat since then. This is why you cannot be obsessed with numbers on the scale. (I sometimes still have to tell myself that, too.) I was upset at not losing any scale weight since then, but after I realized I lost fat and grew ‘thinner’ during that time I put it out of my head.

Maintenance Round 8, Week 1, Day 2 – 12/11

Weight: 185 = up 1.8 pounds

Ketostix: Moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 79
1-hour PP (after lunch): 80
2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

I’m around sick people at home and work. I fell asleep on the couch last night and woke up achy and it seemed my glands in my neck were swollen. My knees hurt and my fingers looked like big fat sausages. And to top it off TOM looming. I feel tired but better now. I am excited about tomorrow’s lunch of chopped liver. It sure is messy to make or maybe that’s just me. 🙂

Maintenance Round 8, Week 1, Day 3 – 12/12

Weight: 184.4 = down .6 pound

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 86
1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
2-hour PP (after lunch): 84

I sure have missed chopped liver. It was delicious, as was my entire meal. 🙂

Maintenance Round 8, Week 1, Day 4 – 12/13

Weight: 183.4 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 74
1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
2-hour PP (after lunch): 77

Everything is still going well – almost all my water weight gain from Monday is gone.

Maintenance Round 8, Week 1, Day 5 – 12/14

Weight: 183.8 = up .4 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 81
1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
2-hour PP (after lunch): 86

I am feeling a bit tired today. Hopefully the energy will kick in for the busy weekend I have ahead. Only one more work week to go then I’m off until 2013.

Maintenance Round 8, Week 1, Day 6 – 12/15

Weight: 183.6 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 76
1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
2-hour PP (after lunch): 84

Maintenance Round 8, Week 1, Day 7 – 12/16

Weight: 183.4 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 78
1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
2-hour PP (after lunch): 83

Restful day.

Maintenance Round 8, Week 2, Day 1 – 12/17

Weight: 183.4 = No Change

Measurements:
Chest: 38″ = down .25”
Waist: 36″ = down .25”
Hips: 39″ = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 83
1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
2-hour PP (after lunch): 84

Today I started taking Metformin. As SugarFree has told other Participants, it takes six to eight weeks after getting up to full strength (which takes more than a week), to kick in and and show results. And yay – I lost a half-inch my first week back on Maintenance. It is great to eat all this fat and still lose inches. 🙂

Maintenance Round 8, Week 2, Day 2 – 12/18

Weight: 184 = up .6 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 73
1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

Energy is up today. It is a good day.

Maintenance Round 8, Week 2, Day 3 – 12/19

Weight: 184 = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 83
1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
2-hour PP (after lunch): 94

Metformin ramp-up is going okay.

Maintenance Round 8, Week 2, Day 4 – 12/20

Weight: 183.6 = down .4 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 97
1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
2-hour PP (after lunch): 89

My fasting BG was higher than normal for me but it might be because TOM is here.

Maintenance Round 8, Week 2, Day 5 – 12/21

Weight: 183.6 = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 77
1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

Today’s meal was delicious! I made shrimp Alfredo with pasta. It’s hard to believe Christmas is only a few days away. I will be traveling next week to see my boyfriend’s family. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

[Note: Kym, you too – you certainly deserve the vacation! And the blog will be on hiatus until Wednesday, January 2 – so Happy New Year, too. :)]

Protocol Round 9, Week 1, Day 3 – 1/2

Weight: 184 = Up .4 pound

Measurements:
Chest: 38″ = no change
Waist: 36″ = no change
Hips: 39″ = no change

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 88
1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
2-hour PP (after lunch): 83

It has been mostly a good week and a half. Had a great Christmas and visit with my boyfriend’s friends and family out of town. I was not perfect with what I ate but did well enough to keep my numbers in check and no change in inches. However, I am now very sick. A sore throat has turned into a cold with a cough, upset stomach, and the works. I am on the Protocol sick menu as of today and hope I kick this quickly. Hope everyone else is doing well.

[Note: Kym, I’m glad to hear you had a good, restful, fun holiday (and did so well, not gaining so much as an inch of fat) – but sorry to hear about the ‘bug’ that sounds like it might actually be the flu. Hope not. 🙁 Stay on the sick menu until you are 100% better, and then transition to Protocol itself. This will be week one. Feel better soon!]

Protocol Round 9, Week 1, Day 4 – 1/3

Weight: 185 = up 1 pound

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 92
1-hour PP (after lunch): 117
2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

Wow – my numbers are off the hook. It could be a combination of things. I ended up taking Nyquil capsules last night so I can get some sleep and hopefully feel better. I got more sleep than I have but still woke up a couple of times. I feel worse today than yesterday and I added 2 oz of starchy carb, white rice, and not enough fat with my Protocol sick menu.

[Note: Your 1-hr PP is a combo of high cortisol due to fighting off illness, insufficient fat – and definitely the Nyquil! No need to worry about it, you’ll go back to normal once you’re well again – which I hope is soon. :)]

Protocol Round 9, Week 2, Day 2 – 1/8

Weight: 185 = no change

Measurements:
Chest: 38″ = no change
Waist: 35.75 ″ = down .25”
Hips: 38.5″ = down .5”

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 88
1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
2-hour PP (after lunch): 81

I’ve been too sick to post since last Thursday, but I’m finally feeling better. I think I will be well enough to be on regular Protocol tomorrow. My BG numbers are better and I lost some fat while sick but I probably have some water my body is reserving for repair. Hopefully it will release soon.

Protocol Round 9, Week 2, Day 3 – 1/9

Weight: 184 = down 1 pound

Meal
– 6 oz Salmon
– 4 oz Spinach
– 3 oz Green Beans
– 1 oz Rice
– 1 tablespoon Butter
– 1 tablespoon Lard
– 1 oz Homemade Mayo

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  730
– Fat:  57 Grams ( 70% )
– Protein: 40 Grams ( 22% )
– Carbs:  14 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 89
1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
2-hour PP (after lunch): 81

SugarFree suggested I eat a reduced menu today since my shrunken stomach wouldn’t handle a full meal. I’m glad she did. Even reduced I was really full afterward. I also got a surprise visit today from TOM about a week early. I increased the amount of water I normally drink because of being sick and the meds I’m on. Is that why my Ketostix is negative? I am so glad that I feel so much better after being sick for so long. My energy is back! 🙂

[Note: Kym, the extra water could be diluting the ketones, and/or it could be an effect of the medications. Either way, I’m glad the meds are working for you and that you’re finally feeling better! :)]

Protocol Round 9, Week 2, Day 4 – 1/10

Weight: 184 = no change

Meal
– 7 oz Beef liver
– 7 oz Asparagus
– 1 oz Quinoa
– 2.5 tablespoon Butter
– 2 T Fat, duck
– 3 oz Spinach
– 3 oz Broccoli

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  832
– Fat:  62 Grams ( 68% )
– Protein: 46 Grams ( 22% )
– Carbs:  21 Grams ( 10% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 80
1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

I added a little more food today and should be back on full Protocol menu by tomorrow.

Protocol Round 9, Week 2, Day 4 – 1/11

Weight: 183 = down 1 pound

Meal
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 8 oz Salmon
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 1 T Butter
– 1 T Lard
– 1 oz Homemade Mayo
– 4 oz Swiss Chard
– 1 oz Potato

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  815
– Fat:  61 Grams ( 67% )
– Protein: 53 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs:  15 Grams ( 7% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 70
1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
2-hour PP (after lunch): 83

First day of a full Protocol Meal and all is well. I still feel great and have five more days of the antibiotics. This is my first full week back to work since Dec. 21 and I made it. It was a little stressful the beginning of the week but now back into the swing of things keeping the stress level lower.

Protocol Round 9, Week 3, Day 1 – 1/14

Measurements:
Chest: 38″ = no change
Waist: 35.75 ″ = no change
Hips: 38.5″ = no change

Weight: 183 = up .2 pound

Meal
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Spinach
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 1 T Fat, duck
– 2 T Butter
– 9 oz Chicken Liver
– 1 fl oz Heavy Cream
– 1 large Whole egg
– 1 oz White Rice

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  871
– Fat:  64 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 54 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs:  19 Grams ( 9% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 74
1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

My boyfriend got sick Saturday night. His symptoms were a lot worse than mine were last week. His doctor diagnosed the flu and recommended that everyone in the house take Tamiflu. It looks like I’ll be on another medication for ten more days. I hope it works because he’s been miserable and slept all day yesterday. I’m surprised that I didn’t lose any inches. I “feel” thinner but the measuring tape does not show it. I wonder if any of the medications will interfere with Metformin working properly.

[Note: Sorry to hear about your boyfriend, and I hope the Tamiflu works for you all. No worries about the Metformin  – it doesn’t even kick in until six to eight weeks after you’re on full strength, and you haven’t even reached that yet. Assuming you do reach it in a week or two, it will be March at least before it starts working – you’ll be long off the medication by then!]

Protocol Round 9, Week 3, Day 2 – 1/15

Weight: 183 = No change

Meal
– 9 oz Shrimp
– 2 T Fat, duck
– 1 T Butter
– 4.5 oz Brussels sprouts
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 4 oz Swiss Chard
– 1 oz Potatoes
– 1 oz Homemade Mayo

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  877
– Fat:  65 Grams ( 66% )
– Protein: 57 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs:  17 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 82
1-hour PP (after lunch): 113
2-hour PP (after lunch): 74

My one hour PP was a shocker. I’m sure it is the medication. I don’t think I’ve ever had that much of a drop between my 1 and 2 hour readings.

Protocol Round 9, Week 3, Day 3 – 1/16

Weight: 184 = up 1 pound

Meal
– 9 oz Beef Liver
– 1 oz Homemade Mayo
– 1 T Butter
– 1.5 T Fat, duck
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Swiss Chard
– 5 oz Green Beans
– 0.5 oz White Rice

Fitday stats:
– Calories:  884
– Fat:  63 Grams ( 64% )
– Protein: 56 Grams ( 25% )
– Carbs:  24 Grams ( 11% )

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 73
1-hour PP (after lunch): 80
2-hour PP (after lunch): 62

I took my last antibiotic today and have seven more days of Tamiflu. Hopefully everything will be back to normal in about a week. I’m going to a full dose of Metformin this week. I should start to feel the effects in six to eight weeks.

Protocol Round 9, Week 3, Day 4 – 1/17

Weight: 184 = No Change

Meal
– 4.5 oz Brussels sprouts
– 4 oz Spinach
– 4 oz Broccoli
– 2 tbsp Fat, duck
– 7 oz Shrimp
– 2 large egg yolk
– 1 large egg white
– 2 fl oz Heavy Cream
– 1 oz Potato

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 844
– Fat: 61 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 55 Grams ( 26% )
– Carbs: 20 Grams ( 9% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 75
1-hour PP (after lunch): 74
2-hour PP (after lunch): 77

I made a delicious soup with my potato and veggies, then thickened it with the egg yolks and heavy cream. When it was ready to eat I drizzled an egg white into it to create a sort of egg-drop soup. Yum.

Protocol Round 9, Week 3, Day 5 – 1/18

Weight: 185 = up 1 pound

Meal
– 8 oz Swiss Chard
– 9 oz Asparagus
– 9 oz Beef, top sirloin
– 1 T Lard
– 1 oz Rice, white
– 1 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 850
– Fat: 61 Grams ( 65% )
– Protein: 57 Grams ( 27% )
– Carbs: 18 Grams ( 8% )

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 57
1-hour PP (after lunch): 62
2-hour PP (after lunch): 63

I woke up with an upset stomach, which could be attributed to starting my full dose of Metformin yesterday. I did a double take at my glucose readings today. I don’t think I’ve ever had readings that low. Iit looks like Metformin has already started kicking my lazy insulin in the derriere. (Direct quote from SugarFree. )

I’m looking forward to the weekend. As some of you may have remembered, I lost my baby girl (4-legged) in May. I miss having a dog around. I’ve had at least one my whole life and it has been weird coming home to a quiet house. We have started looking online to adopt a dog and are planning on meeting some this weekend. I’m excited.

[Note: And I’m excited for you. I know how much you’ve missed your beloved pooch, and it will make me and your readers happy to know the puppy stork is coming to your house again. 😀 As for the blood sugar readings – yep, that’s Metformin starting to make your insulin finally work as it should. We’ll need to add more carbs to your menu when you begin Maintenance next week. Yay!]

Kym’s Farewell, January 2013:

It is with sadness that I have decided the time has come to say farewell. I have not posted in a while due to my job obligations that have me traveling around the country for the next six months. I’m not saying good-bye to Protocol though, since it really works. Just look at where I began and where I am now. My glucose readings and my last blood report have all greatly improved. I’ve lost twenty-seven pounds and over eighteen inches of fat! I have learned so much from SugarFree and will take this knowledge with me. I will still use my meter, weigh myself everyday, and take my measurements to ensure I do not go down the path that got me here.

I am eternally grateful for all that SugarFree has done for me, not only with her Protocol but personally as well. SugarFree is patient (a virtue I challenged often :)), caring, and kind. Her knowledge astounds me. I know that although I will no longer be reporting here, she is only a phone call away if I am in need of advice or even just to say hello. Finally, I want to wish Good Luck to all of the current and future participants – you are in good hands!

Thank you so much, SugarFree, for everything you have done for me. I cannot put into words how much you have helped me change my life.

Kym

[Note: Kym, thank you so much for your kind words, and for becoming a friend during your journey. I know you have all the tools you need now to live a long and healthy life. Please give a hug to yourself, and a lick on the nose to the two new pups from me. :D]