SugarFree Protocol – Paige

March 19, 2012. Paige’s Thread is closed.

This will be my last post. My schedule is so inconsistent now, I cannot post reports until very late and don’t even have the time to commit to Protocol as it requires. But I have learned so much from SugarFree that I will definitely keep following her principles, and her blog. Her knowledge, and what she’s taught me about myself, will let me be ultimately successful in healing my metabolism. I would like to thank all the participants for continuing to share their experiences, and for helping others learn how to be healthy. SugarFree, I’ll be on the look out for your goodies as well! 😉

My thanks and good wishes go with you,

Paige

Paige’s Introduction:

I am twenty-nine, 5’8″ and as of this morning, weigh 212 pounds. I have always been heavy for my height as far as I can remember. From high school to college I remained fifty pounds overweight. I did Weight Watchers and lost most of it, though I could never get past 165 on the scale. I did everything they told me to do and worked out as well, but nothing changed my weight. So frustrating.

After that my relationship with food became distorted and unhealthy, since I felt like I must be doing something wrong. I stayed at 165 for over four years, then my weight started creeping up even though I was meticulous about counting calories. I didn’t eat processed foods, and believed that eventually my body would get a clue! I ate a higher carb diet though of so-called “healthy foods” like fruit, organic bread, organic frozen lasagna, etc. Then I had periods of fatigue, joint pain, anxiety/depression, chest/neck acne, and heavy periods. All on top of the weight gain!

I saw a nutritionist who said I was eating the “right” foods (I know better now), at the right calorie level. When they tested my BMR it turned out I ate only enough calories to keep me alive. And I kept on gaining. I visited numerous doctors, who told me that I was still eating too much and/or not working out enough. That’s when I found HCG. I believed this was the right thing to do, but the lack of results made me do repeated back-to-back rounds — four of them — even though I knew you weren’t supposed to.

I lost the best the first round (twenty-two pounds in forty days). I was so relieved to finally see results from following Simeons’ Protocol. But every single time I gained a small amount back, even though I followed the phases correctly and lost less and less weight each subsequent round. It was crazy-making! And my weight is higher than when I began HCG, even though I’ve eaten a low carb/low sugar diet since my last round. Even so, I seriously thought about going back on HCG. I decided to do more research this time and that’s when I came across SugarFree’s blog.

SugarFree’s research makes so much sense, especially after her recommendation to read Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes. I am eager to see how my body responds to this way of eating, and I am hoping to finally find something that can finally heal my body. According the labs, I am insulin resistant, and I have PCOS. I want my body to be at its healthiest place. Thanks for your help, SugarFree!

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

Weight: 212

Measurements:
Bust: 37.5″
Waist: 41.5″
Hips: 43″

Breakfast: coffee with 1 tsp. heavy cream

Lunch:
– 8 oz spinach
– 1.25 T. butter
– 5 oz green beans
– 7 oz salmon
– 1 oz potatoes

Dinner:
– 5 oz mixed salad greens
– 2 whole eggs
– 1 T. olive oil

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 780
– Fat: 51.6 grams (59%)
– Protein: 60.9 grams (31%)
– Carbs: 20.0 grams (10%)

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 90
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 105
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 100

My stomach was grumbling this morning. I was very satisfied with my lunch though. It seemed like a lot of food! After doing the HCG diet, this seems plenty do-able. The planning/cooking will take more time, but I know I’ll get used to it. It will be worth it in the end!

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 2 – 12/13

Weight: 212.8 = up .8 pounds

Lunch:
– 6 oz ribeye
– .5 T. butter
– 8 oz broccoli
– 8 oz spaghetti squash
– 1 oz potato

Dinner:
– 3 egg whites
– 2 whole eggs
– 4 oz spinach

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 799
– Fat: 54.7 grams (62%)
– Protein: 55.1 grams (28%)
– Carbs: 21.6 grams (10%)

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 102
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 109

I got a headache about an hour after I ate and it lasted throughout the afternoon. It was pretty intense. Not sure if it’s related to what/how I’m eating, but not fun. I even felt nauseous at some points today after lunch. I also really wanted a Dr. Zevia (diet drink made with stevia & erythritol), but I doubted that would be OK! I could not finish the spinach at dinner. I was full after eating the eggs.

[Note: That headache absolutely stemmed from sugar/carb withdrawal. It may last a few days (if you read some participant threads you’ll see that someone suffered with the same type of headache for a week before it dissipated) but it will go away. A clue to the headache is your desire for a sweet taste (even if it was actually sugar-free), which is why no stevia or any sweet is allowed on Protocol. You might also feel lethargic for a few days — induction flu — because it will take some time for your body to become ketone-adapted. It could take up to two weeks.

Your high 2-hr PP was caused by all that spaghetti squash, which is filled with natural sugar. I knew it would happen, but wanted to you see for yourself what such high carb veggies do to your blood sugars and insulin. Next time, try one or two ounces. :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 3 – 12/14

Weight: 211.4 = down 1.4 pounds

Lunch:
– 6 oz pork loin
– .5 T. butter
– 4 oz green beans
– 8 oz spinach
– .5 oz cheese

Dinner:
– 2 egg whites
– 2 whole eggs
– 5 oz mixed greens
— .5 T. olive oil

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 742
– Fat: 49.0 grams (60%)
– Carbs: 14.3 grams (7%)
– Protein: 61.0 grams (33%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 83

Thankfully my headache was gone this morning. I had it until I went to bed and it’s obvious my body struggling to adapt. I’m trying not to get too caught up in the numbers on the scale. Nonetheless, it was nice to see a loss. My 1-hr PP was so much lower than yesterday. That seems like a move in the right direction.

Looks like spaghetti squash is not my friend right now. I must say that eight ounces of greens is A LOT of food. I am struggling to get all of those down. I do like spinach, but I haven’t ever eaten this much at one time! I am leaving some on my plate; hopefully that won’t mess me up. I like the addition of cheese at lunch, but I am missing the cream in my coffee. Again, I know it’s not forever. It’s not about what I want, but what I need right now to fix my body!

The 2-hr PP surprised me. I’m just beginning to understand how these numbers affect me, but it looks again like a positive thing. I did get a slight headache again after lunch, but nothing like yesterday.

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 4 – 12/15

Weight: 209.0 = down 2.4 pounds

Lunch:
– 11 oz chicken thigh
– 1.5 T. butter
– 4 oz brussels sprouts
– 4 oz broccoli
– .5 oz cheese
— 1 oz potato

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

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 740
– Fat: 49.7 grams (60%)
– Carbs: 14.8 grams (8%)
– Protein: 58.4 grams (32%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 87

Felt good today. Pretty surprised to see the loss on the scale!!! My weight has fluctuated so much since trying to lose that I think it won’t seem “real” until I’m below 200. I was so shocked at how quickly I gained the weight after HCG AND that I was 20 pounds ABOVE my starting weight. Craziness. I am determined to get back to Onederland. Progress is GOOD. No headache. Yay. I was curious to see how adding the potato would affect the numbers. They were higher today. What is the ideal trend for the numbers while on protocol? I am just thinking “lower” is “good” right now?

[Note: Yes, lower is good and your numbers are good today but higher than yesterday because of the potato. That’s okay; one of the Protocol goals is to get your metabolism healthy enough to eat normal foods in normal portions without your insulin going crazy. And that will happen. Not overnight, and not in a few weeks, but it will happen. And believe the loss — you worked for it. Your measurements on Monday will show you just how much fat you’ve lost. :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 5 – 12/16

Weight: 208.8 = down .2 pounds

Lunch:
– 9 oz pork
– .5 T. butter
– 5 oz green beans
– 8 oz spinach
— 1 oz potato

Dinner:
– 6 oz mixed greens
– 1 egg
– .5 T olive oil

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 782
– Fat: 50.2 grams (58%)
– Carbs: 20.4 grams (10%)
– Protein: 62.4 grams (32%)

Ketostix: moderate

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

Still feeling good. I don’t have crazy hunger pangs. I will be out of my “normal” routine for this upcoming holiday week, but hoping the results so far will help keep me on track. There are a lot of social gatherings and I know I am going to want a glass of wine so I don’t feel like a party pooper. :/ I’ve tried so many diets and done HCG that it’s annoying to always be the one who can’t eat this or can’t drink that etc! I know this protocol is going to make that a non-issue one day.

[Note: And that day is here! Although I vehemently disagree that not drinking at a party makes you a ‘party pooper’ (you were invited for your excellent company, not for your ability to imbibe alcoholic beverages or scarf down plates of food), a small glass of wine from time to time is excellent for blood sugar control and lots of other things. And it tastes good, too. So pour yourself a small (2 or 3 ounce) glass and sip. Snag a few small squares of cheese (there’s always cheese) and a dozen nuts (there’s almost always nuts), and nibble. A bonus: not scarfing down a ton of food will afford you ample opportunity to make sparkling conversation and show off your witty repartee. :D]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 6 – 12/17

Weight: = 208.0 = down .8 pounds

Lunch:
– 8 oz ground beef
– .25 T. butter
— 4 oz green beans
– 4 oz spinach
— 4 oz mixed greens
— .5 oz pumpernickel bread

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

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 792
– Fat: 54.2 grams (61%) 487
– Carbs: 19.3 grams (10%) 77
– Protein: 57.5 grams (29%) 228

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 79
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 72

So nice to see SugarFree’s note. 😉 I totally agree, and it’s nice to know that I can enjoy the party with a small glass of vino.

Things are still moving in the right direction. I’m in disbelief when I see my losses just because of past dieting frustrations. It’s so fascinating to me how strong the role of insulin and hormones are in our metabolisms. I felt like for so long that my body was working against me — and it was.

I was at Whole Foods today and they had tons of holidaycarbrichyummy samples. I wanted them, but I reminded myself how I had literally come to the end of myself with frustration after HCG. I don’t ever want to feel like that again.

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 7 – 12/18

Weight: 207.4 = down .6 pounds

Lunch:
– 8 oz shrimp
– 1.75 T. butter
– 8 oz spinach
— 4 oz asparagus
– 3 oz mushrooms
– .5 oz cheese
— 1 oz potato

Dinner:
– 2 oz avocado
– 1 T. olive oil
– 6 oz mixed salad greens

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 792
– Fat: 51.3 grams (58%)
– Carbs: 24.2 grams (12%)
– Protein: 58.8 grams (30%)

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 75
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 76
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

I am truly amazed at how well SugarFree’s protocol is working. Thank you for doing what you do. I am feeling good, both mentally and physically. Not sure what the higher 2-hr PP is about? All I can think about is getting below 200 pounds. It actually seems attainable now! Let’s hope this next week proves to be as successful. 🙂

[Note: I don’t know about the pounds — which is immaterial anyway — but I’m sure you’ll be pleased with your measurements tomorrow. 🙂 As for the slightly higher, but still well within normal range for a 2-hr PP — please read my comment about this on Kym’s thread. I believe it was a week or so ago.]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 1 – 12/19

Weight: 206.4 = down 1 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 37″ = down .5″
Waist: 41″ = down .5″
Hips: 42″ = down 1″

Lunch:
– 8 oz ground beef
– 1 T. butter
– 4 oz mixed greens
– 4 oz spinach
– 5 oz green beans
– .5 oz rye bread
– 1 oz cheese

Dinner:
– 4 oz spinach
– 1 whole egg

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 783
– Fat: 49.2 grams (56%)
– Protein: 64.0 grams (33%)
– Carbs: 21.7 grams (11%)

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 89
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 82
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 86

Running lots of errands to get last-minute Christmas goodies. I have the energy to do it all, so that’s awesome. And my measurements have put an extra pep in my step! Pretty full at lunch today. I left some on my plate. I’m trying to brace myself for incorporating organ meat to my menu. I was a vegetarian for 5 years (eating processed soy foods that wreaked havoc). I think it’s mostly a mental thing though.

[Note: It is. You will survive. 🙂 And it will help continue you’re wonderful fat loss: two inches in just a week!]

I picked up Protein Power by Michael and Mary Eades. It’s an interesting read so far.

[Note: As much as I respect the Eades, much of the content of the books is geared to selling stuff. And for women with PCOS — which they refuse to acknowledge or deal with — a high protein diet is deadly. I’ll stick with Jan Kwasniewski, Wolfgang Lutz and Barry Grove: once at your goal, a high FAT, modest protein, modest carb diet will keep you there, and in excellent health.]

I’m thinking that once my metabolism is healed, I want to start looking into nutrition counseling or something of the like. So much BAD information and so refreshing to know our bodies can work FOR us. On a selfish note, I wish SugarFree’s goodies were available already so I could take some to the Christmas festivities!

[Note: Maybe not here for this holiday, but closer than you think. After six months of trying (and failing), I have finally perfected my sugar-free chocolate chip cookie recipe, and we will be selling a lot of those. Since they will ship well, it’s one of the first things we’ll  sell on the website! Coming soon, I promise. :)]

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

Weight: 207.4 = up 1 pound

Lunch:
– 7 oz salmon
– 1.25 T. mayonnaise
– 4 oz spinach
– 5 oz green beans
– .5 oz cheese
— .75 oz rye bread
— .1 T. butter

Dinner:
– 2 whole eggs
– 4 oz spinach
— .5 oz cheese

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 773
– Fat: 46.3 grams (54%)
– Carbs: 22.5 grams (12%)
– Protein: 66.8 grams (34%)

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 70

I wasn’t hungry for dinner last night, so I skipped it. Mistake. I woke up at 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. Annoying. I also woke up with a headache and didn’t feel refreshed. I have a feeling I shouldn’t skip dinner anymore! I ate earlier today than I have been. I’ve been drinking La Croix sparkling mineral water instead of my beloved Dr. Zevia. That’s helping my desire for a fizzy drink. I’ve read a lot of SugarFree’s posts about the scale lying, so I’m trying not to let the pound gain bother me. I am trusting it will all come off in the end!

[Note: Paige, I’d like to be clear about what I mean by the scale ‘lying’. After all, if the scale says you weigh one pound more today than yesterday — you do. If you cut off your arm you’d weigh a lot less. But — would you be thinner? Be less fat? NO. You’d only weigh fewer pounds.

The important question is: Pounds of what? In your case, you gained a pound of water (no one can gain a pound of fat overnight). But the scale doesn’t tell you that. It only tells you how many pounds you are on a given day. That could be pounds of muscle, fat, water, bone, excess skin, etc. But if the scale doesn’t break all those down, the info it provides is useless.

The next important question is: why did you gain a pound of water overnight? It could be TOM, too little sodium (which causes the kidneys to retain water) or a few other things, but it is most likely the exact same thing happening to you that happens to every single participant: You’ve lost fat. The body puts water into your fat cells as a place-holder hoping you’ll fill up those cells with fat again. When you don’t, it will release the water as quickly as it came. Please keep this in mind as you lose more fat according to your measuring tape.  And please start to understand what your scale is really telling you, and most importantly, what it is not. :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 3 – 12/21

Weight: 207.2 = down .2 pounds

Lunch:
– 11 oz chicken thigh
– 1.25 T. butter
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz broccoli
– .5 oz cheese
– .5 oz rye bread
– 2 oz mushrooms

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

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 764
– Fat: 50.1 grams (60%)
– Carbs: 19.7 grams (10%)
– Protein: 59.9 grams (30%)

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 75
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

The holiday baking will be the death of me! It’s a “challenge” to help bake and cook for others right now. I’ve made good choices thus far. Tonight, I have a gathering where I’ll have a small glass of wine and perhaps a few nuts. I’m curious to see how my body responds. Hopefully, it won’t do too much damage. I’m normally so OCD about “protocols”, but I’m trying to learn new things about my body during this process. I’m trying to do away with the all or nothing mentality. I keep reminding myself that this is a metabolic healing PROCESS. SugarFree’s notes and encouragement are such great reminders!

[Note: This season is a challenge for everyone. If we’re normally deluged by a river of sugar (in every product under the sun, even water), at this time of year it’s Niagara Falls! But into each of our lives stress, loss, exhaustion, family visits and holidays fall. The secret to long-term health is learning how to deal with it all in a way that will become natural as the years go on. So a small glass of wine and some nuts (and maybe a bit of good cheese, too) is a great start. After all, the goal is to get our metabolisms healthy enough to deal correctly with the wine, nuts, cheese, fruit, pasta and even chocolate from time to time.

So, enjoy the party and take your meter with you if you’ll be gone long enough — and you’ll see for yourself how you did.

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 1, Week 2, Day 4 – 12/22

Weight: 206.6 = down .6 pounds

Lunch:
– 8 oz shrimp
– 1.75 T. butter
– 8 oz spinach
— 4 oz asparagus
– 3 oz mushrooms
– .5 oz cheese
— 1 oz potato

Dinner:
– 2 oz avocado
– 1 T. olive oil
– 6 oz mixed salad greens

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 792
– Fat: 51.3 grams (58%)
– Carbs: 24.2 grams (12%)
– Protein: 58.8 grams (30%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 74
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98

Good to see a loss this morning. I probably had about 6 ounces of wine to be honest. It was served to me so I wasn’t controlling the pour! I left some in the glass though. I didn’t see the note about taking my meter until after I left, but I want to check myself at the next party. My stomach was growling this morning when I woke up, but I soon forgot about it as I tried out a new yoga class. I was fine after that. I wasn’t hungry after I got done, but I needed to eat because I was going to be gone during the day. I was FULL about half way through the meal.

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

Weight: 203.6 = down 3 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 36″ = down 1″
Waist: 40″ = down 1″
Hips: 40.5″ = down 1.5″

Ketostix: Large

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

Sorry I missed reporting yesterday; we had a pooch emergency. No worries, he’s okay now. 🙂 And so am I, really looking forward to Maintenance and hopefully reaching Onederland sometime soon.

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

Weight: 204.4 = up .8 pounds

Ketostix: Large

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 75
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

It’s really close to TOM for me. I’m curious to see how my blood glucose numbers and weight change with that looming. I am starting Metformin as well based on my consultations with SugarFree. I have been reading up a lot on PCOS and insulin resistance. All of the science about excessive fat accumulation seems to be staring us in the face. Somehow, we’ve managed to get way off and I’m thankful for SugarFree for bringing us back to the light! Thankfully, my doctor was open to discussing experimenting with Metformin at the dose that is most effective, yet not always prescribed. Win!

[Note: Congratulations for bringing your doctor into the light. 😀 And since you’re just starting Maintenance AND TOM, I’d like to remind you and all our readers that when you lose a lot of fat quickly (and you lost 3.5 inches in the last week or so!) the body will always replace the lost fat with water for a time. Sometimes it’s by volume, sometimes by weight. Sometimes you hold on to it for a few days, sometimes for weeks. The brain just wants to make sure that if you decide to store extra fat again, the fat cells are kept nice and big and waiting for it.

The reason for dumping water into fat cells is because although never lose the number of fat cells we have (though we can add to them and do when we become obese) — fat cells can die. About 10% die every year, and the exact number are replaced. However, fat cells can shrink severely and when they do they lose the ability to transmit the really bad, inflammatory hormones of full fat cells. They become skinny, as you become skinny, and they behave themselves, as your healing metabolism behaves itself. Since the brain hates true change (until we make it accept it as a good thing), it really wants those fat cells to stay fat! Eventually, when it accepts the new weight and fat set-points (the goal of the Maintenance phase), it resigns itself to slimmer fat cells and lets the water go.

In the meantime, remember that the scale lies, your meter always tells the truth, and the measuring tape is your best friend. :)]

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

Weight: 203.6 = down .8 pounds

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 94
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

My numbers look a little goofy to me. My fasting is the highest its been in a while. Feeling good though. It feels so decadent eating all of the fat. It sounds crazy but on some days it seems like too much and I can’t finish it. Not something you would expect without weight gain pre-protocol! I continue to be amazed at what I’m learning about my body.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 5 – 1/6

Weight: 204.6 = up 1 pound

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:

— Fasting: 75
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 87:

Oh the up and down 😉 Expected but unwelcome! Good News: I have refused to buy all new clothes because I have PLENTY of cute ones in sizes 8/10/12. Last night I tried on some of the jeans I really want to wear. They’re still snug, but at least I could get them on! I feel like the last place I lose weight is my waist, because I can tell they’re looser in my legs than before. I keep reminding myself it’ll take TIME! Is it weird or okay that my ketostix are still in moderate? I thought I would be in trace during maintenance.

[Note: The excess acetone-type ketones that come out in the urine and turn the ketostix different colors are a result of your body either not handling 100% of your ketones efficiently yet, or your burning so much body fat in 24 hours that it can’t handle them all. I’m betting on the latter, so I think you’ll be happy with your fat-loss/measurements on Monday. 🙂 Your pound gain is, as you know (right?), only water.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 6 – 1/7

Weight: 204.4 = down .2 pounds

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 77
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 94

I waited too long to eat today. I was busy and it was 3 before I knew it. I started getting a headache and was shaky. I checked my meter right before I ate, just out of curiosity. It was 66 and I’m pretty sure that’s TOO low. I definitely felt it. Won’t be doing that again. I also think the Metformin is wreaking a little havoc on my insides. I’ve been increasing my dose slightly and haven’t really noticed anything until now. I’ve read that it should just last until my body adjusts, which can be around 2 weeks. Thanks for the reminder about the water weight, SugarFree Lord knows I need it!

[Note: If you reach a stage with Metformin where you feel any ‘effect’s — do NOT increase the dose. Stay there for several days until your body is used to that level before moving up even slightly. And yes, the very low meter reading meant you waited too long to eat. It’s not harmful — our hunter/gatherer forebears sometimes went days without a decent meal, but it is best to eat before you’re starving. :)]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 7 – 1/8

Weight: 203.0 = down 1.4 pounds

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 99
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

All of my numbers (except my weight!) seemed high to me today. I didn’t notice feeling any different though. Maintenance is good, but I’m honestly looking forward to the next round of Protocol! It’s so amazing to have found the missing piece in what seemed like an impossible weight-loss puzzle. I haven’t had any hunger issues on Protocol or during Maintenance. I always feel like there is enough – and sometimes MORE than enough food!

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

Weight: 204.4 = up 1.4 pounds

Measurements:
Bust: 36″ = no change
Waist: 40″ = no change
Hips: 40.5″ = no change

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 83
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 87

I’ve been feeling really sleepy today. Not sure why. I’ve also been wanting some chocolate. Haven’t had cravings until today. Not sure what that’s about either. I haven’t succumbed. It’s weird to not see any change in my measurements. I was hoping there would be something! I should be thankful that even with TOM and being the first week of maintenance that I am maintaining, not gaining. Right? RIGHT. LOL. This is just torture for me being so close to Onederland and holding steady. I think 199 is mocking me

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

Weight: 205.0 = up .6 pounds

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 86
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

So, I don’t know for sure, but I think the higher 2-hr PP is not a good thing at this stage. My fasting is trending lower, but that 2-hr confuses me. Feeling good today.

[Note: One of the joys of having a meter on Protocol and using it daily, is that it can talk to you if you learn how to listen. Today, it told you that something you ate at lunch drove UP your 2-hr PP when it should have gone DOWN.  Now you get to put on your Detective Hat and figure out what that was, and then figure out how to get better numbers tomorrow. Learning that is the whole point of using the meter … not just to type in the numbers here. :)]

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

Weight: 204.0 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 82
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 82
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 84

My body seems to be adjusting to the Metformin. Numbers look better today without the extra carbs. The meter is so SMART. 😉

[Note: LOL — someone is SMART — but I think it’s you for figuring it out.]

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

Weight: 204.6 = up .6 pounds

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 89
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

Amazingly enough, my body is working like the machine that it is. I am STILL surprised that my weight is stable despite the high number of calories I’m now eating daily. Is this how it is for normal people? LOL. I felt a little bit light-headed after lunch today. Other than that, things are good. Looking forward to eating berries tomorrow! I’ve missed them.

[Note: Yes, this is exactly how it is for people with normal metabolisms. Some days they eat more, some days less, at the end of a year they weigh just the same as they did the year previous (give or take a few ounces) — but most importantly, even if the weight is up because they’ve added muscle mass through weight-lifting — their body fat percentage is the same or less. No inches added at the waistline. This is why our grandparents and great-grandparents wore the same clothes until they wore out. No ‘skinny’ clothes. No ‘fat’ clothes. Just the same size clothes. Year after year after year. This is true metabolic health, and that’s just where you’re headed. :)]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 5 – 1/13

Weight: 204.6 = no change

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:

– Fasting: 84

– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 84

– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

— 3-hour PP (after lunch): 84

I forgot how much I loved berries. Yum. I was so incredibly full not too soon after eating. I keep thinking I will get adjusted to the amount, but I truly feel like it’s SO much food I can’t finish. My stomach was a little crampy a few hours after I ate. I used to feel bloated a lot more than I do after having been on this protocol. Wondering if it was from the berries?

[Note: More likely nothing to do with the food at all. Hope you’re not coming down with something!]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 6 – 1/14

Weight: 204.6 = no change

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 73
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 86

Stomach not feeling so great today.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 7 – 1/15

Weight: 203.6 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 87
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 72

Feeling a little better today. Ready to be back to normal.

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

Weight: 204.0 = up .4 pound

Measurements a month ago, at Protocol Start:

Bust: 37.5″
Waist: 41.5″
Hips: 43″

Measurements Today:
Bust: 35.5″ = down .5″ (Total: down 2″)
Waist: 39″ = down 1″   (Total: down 2.5″)
Hips: 40.25″ = down .25″ (Total: down 2.75″)

Total inches lost in one month: 7.25 inches!

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 83
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

Felt a lot better today. My stomach has calmed down! OH, and the measurements! Wahoo!

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

Weight: 205.0 = up 1 pound

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 79
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 73

Wow, SugarFree! I am shocked at the total inches lost. That rocks!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel! I am so ready to start another round of Protocol. It’s awesome though that I still lost inches in maintenance. I know I sound like a broken record, but THANK YOU for all of your help and research in figuring this out. 😉 Feeling good again today.

[Note: Paige, I’m glad I was able to help, but it’s nice being appreciated. Thank you. 🙂 Maybe you can call the Mayo Clinic and get a refund for all the money you spent so uselessly there — LOL.

As for starting Protocol soon, it’s important to remember that Maintenance lasts a minimum of four weeks unless an unexpected problem develops. It’s crucial to make your brain believe that you’re a great hunter who brings in a lot of food every day, especially food that is FAT. This is what allows the brain to accept your new lower set-point and smaller amount of adipose fat. Otherwise, it will constantly sabotage you, and will slow your metabolism so it can increase fat storage and return to the higher weight and inches. And this “brain-washing” (pun intended) takes time. Once your brain accepts your new weight/inches, you can return to the Protocol, and your body will be happier than on the first round to take lots and lots of fuel from the ‘fridge’ you carry with you. :D]

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

Weight: 204.6 = down .4 pounds

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 76
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 85
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 85
Did not feel like eating today. No appetite. I don’t feel like I’m getting sick, just no desire to eat. Ate some, but not all of my food. I’ve had a pretty hectic week and am sleeping like a log. Energy was still good though.

[Note: Loss of appetite happens occasionally when fat intake is so high on Maintenance that you go into Lipolysis and start to burn excess adipose fat again. It’s clear that your body is ready and willing to shed more of that excess, and I expect you will be very pleased with your measurements on Monday. :)]

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

Weight: 204.6 = no change

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 68
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 72

Picked up another stomach bug, ugh! The only thing I’ve eaten today is broth.

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

Weight: 205.6 = up 1 pound

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 102
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 86

Unfortunately, it’s the flu, not a stomach bug. Trying to get rest and keep hydrated.

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

Weight: 204.6 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: small

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

I feel like a zombie. Drinking broth and lots of hot tea.

[Note: From your good meter readings despite your being sick, it looks like your body is continuing to consume excess adipose fat via lipolysis, which means you’re still being nourished even on broth. Stay in bed, watch TV — and feel better soon!]

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

Weight: 204.6 = no change

Measurements:
Bust: 35.5″ = no change
Waist: 39″ = no change
Hips: 39.25″ = down 1″

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 78
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 74

Not much to report today. Still feeling under the weather. Dear Flu, please be gone. Still don’t have much of an appetite and super tired. It was really good to see some inches lost, even being the 4th week of Maintenance! I’ve been getting super frustrated with Dr. Oz since I’ve been watching T.V. so much. He gives so much misinformation I’m ready to jump off the couch (even though I physically can’t!) Maddening.

[Note: Kinda like banging your head against a brick wall. A brick wall of willful ignorance, the worst kind. But oh, how much money there is to be made when your advice keeps people ill and continually coming to your medical/pharmacological/diet book doors!]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 2 – 1/24

Weight: 204.4 = down .2 pounds

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 77
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 85
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 83

Food is sounding more appetizing, although I am not hungry. I haven’t been this sick in a long time. Getting a lot of sleep.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 3 – 1/25

Weight: 204.4 = no change

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 85

I feel like I am in the movie “Groundhog Day” where everyday is the same. I still can’t breathe through my nose. Ugh. I hope I wake up better, but I’m just not there yet.

I’m excited about SugarFree’s new thread for submitting questions. I am always curious about something related to this Protocol or HCG, but I don’t write the questions down. Then, I forget! I’m going to it a point to do that though 😉 I don’t want to be the one with my head buried in the sand!

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

Weight: 203.4 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 86
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 84
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

I think the tide is turning. Finally. I can actually breathe today! I can’t believe it’s almost the end of week 4 of Maintenance. I’ve had a chance to read up on all the threads. It’s exciting to see all of the new participants and follow their progress.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 5 – 1/27

Weight: 203.4 = no change

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 93
— 3-hour PP (after lunch): 88

Looking forward to getting rest this weekend. I’ve had a long week! Super tired when I woke up this morning. Hoping I can stomach some “real” food tomorrow!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 6 – 1/28

Weight: 203.4 = no change

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 89
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 86

I don’t know if it’s the lingering effects of being sick or the Metformin. I am having a weird aversion to food. It’s not so overwhelming that I feel like I will throw up, but an unsettled stomach. Very odd for me.

[Note: I did warn you that after being sick for so long and eating very little besides egg and toast, that the first few days of eating all the calories on Maintenance might be difficult. It will clear up in a few days.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 7 – 1/29

Weight: 205.6 = up 2. 2 pounds

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 77
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 78

The pipes haven’t been working great since being sick. I’m assuming that has to do with that gain on the scale. I’m not worried about the scale though. I’m adjusting some of my supplement dosages and such to see if that will work things out. I forgot to mention in my last post that I can wear the jeans I bought during a round of HCG. It’s crazy to me that I am fifteen pounds heavier, but my pants FIT. Testimony to the fact that this Protocol helps you lose the right thing: FAT.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 5, Day 1 – 1/30

Weight: 204.6 = down 1 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 35.5″ = no change
Waist: 39″ = no change
Hips: 39.25″ = no change

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 76
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 78

TOM is right around the corner. Hoping it won’t mess with things too much!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 5, Day 2 – 1/31

Weight: 205.6 = up 1 pound

 Ketostix: trace

 Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 102
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 106
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 106

Whoa – high blood sugar numbers. It looks like the amount of potato (normally 1 oz but yesterday 2 oz) caused a spike. That, and on-coming TOM. So no starch carbs for me for a few days. I’m feeling pretty run down today and I didn’t sleep well at all. I wasn’t really sleepy when I went to bed and I was tossing and turning all night.

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

 Weight: 206.6 = up 1 pound

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 103
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 103
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 99

I guess it’s taking the body time to process the “carb overload”. It freaks me out to see numbers over 100, since I haven’t since the beginning of protocol. Hopefully things will look better tomorrow eating with a lower carb menu. I also woke up nauseous today. I’m hoping these are all related because I CAN’T get sick again! Does the body have a harder time processing carbs during TOM? Should I cut them out this time next month?

[Note: Yes . . .  and . . . Yes.]