SugarFree Protocol – Todd

At last. I finally got me a guy! 😀 Most of you have probably noticed that our Protocol Participants have been firmly in the estrogen brigade, but we now have the pleasure of welcoming some testosterone into our midst.

Todd will join us on Monday, March 5 — but please take some time to learn about him now.

Todd’s Introduction:

Hello everyone my name is Todd. I’m thirty-three, 6’6” (no, I didn’t play basketball) and weigh 322 pounds.

I will be the first guy to participate in the Protocol, and I really look forward to shedding all this weight and fixing my body. I don’t want to end up a diabetic.  I’ve seen others in my family struggle with this and I know they don’t want that for me either. My metabolic blood tests weren’t encouraging. I have Hyperinsulinemia and am Hypothyroid with Thyroid Hormone Resistance. And my Triglycerides are through the roof.

My sister Kym is also a Protocol Participant and seeing her in person when I was back home for Christmas really pushed me into wanting to know more. She is my inspiration for joining this group, and I’m so proud of her!

I’ve struggled with weight since the fifth grade. I was a thin child until then but began to gain. And gain. It really took a slice out of my self-esteem, and I remember having very dark thoughts about myself in my teens because of the weight and because I was also struggling with being gay. I found a group of people who really helped me to change my life which made me feel better about being gay. I realized then that living is worthwhile, and that it does get better. However, dealing with my weight seemed like a huge struggle, but now I know the Protocol will help me.

A few years ago I did a bit better by watching what I eat and exercising, but I still didn’t feel energized. I was tired all the time even while losing weight. Eventually I got down to 260.

Then in January, 2011 I suffered a huge blow when my father passed away. Losing him was really hard on me, and to cope I did what I knew best, which was eating. I ate and ate and ate. I know my father wouldn’t want me to be like this, or to feel like this, with no energy most of the time. SugarFree could tell that just by talking to me.

It’s been hard to get up and move before going to work. I’m like a lazy slug now and I don’t want to stay this way. I knew Kym had tried HCG and for a while though about trying it myself, but I’m glad I didn’t. She lost weight on it but with what she has lost on Protocol she looks so much more amazing. She also seems happier and looks like she feels great all the time.

So SugarFree here’s to you: My Knight in Shining Armor!  I can’t wait to begin my journey of fixing my body and living a better life!

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 1 – 3/5

Weight: 318.2 pounds

Measurements:
Chest: 50.5″
Waist: 57″
Hips: 48.5″

Meal:
-8 oz Ribeye Steak
-5 oz green beans
-8 oz spinach
-3 large whole eggs
-3 large white only eggs
-1 oz red bell pepper
-2 oz potato
-1 T. Butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1077
Fat: 77 grams (64%)
Protein: 73.3 grams (27%)
Carbs: 22.6 (9%)

Ketostix: Negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 93
– 1 hour PP (after meal): 98
– 3 hour PP (after meal): 83

I hope today went okay and that the next time will go smoother. This morning I woke up feeling sluggish and wanting to go back to bed. But I got in gear, made my meal for the day and it was very good! I even did okay with the spinach since its not one of my favorites. I still feel full three hours later and with a five-hour drive tonight I hope that feeling lasts.

Unfortunately I didn’t get to take my 2-hr blood sugar test until the third hour since I was struggling to learn how to use the strips. I think I have it now! Also after talking with SugarFree I won’t be reporting until Wednesday or Thursday as I’m going home to be with family for a funeral. SugarFree gave me a major pep talk about staying on the straight and narrow on the road and there, and luckily my sister Kym will be there to keep me on the path. See you all soon.

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 4 – 3/8

Weight: 306.4 pounds = down 11.8 pounds

Meal:
-8 oz Ribeye Steak
-5 oz green beans
-8 oz spinach
-3 large whole eggs
-3 large white only eggs
-1 oz red bell pepper
-1 oz potato
-1 T. Butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 796
Fat: 45.7 grams (52%)
Protein: 73.3 grams (40%)
Carbs: 22.6 (8%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 96
– 1 hour PP (after meal): 96
– 2 hour PP (after meal): 102
– 3 hour PP (after meal):  99

Thank you SugarFree!

I was very glad that I was able to get back home to be my family. It was great to see everyone again but wish it had been under better circumstances. It was a difficult time being there with temptations and all so I’m glad Kym was there to lean on for support.

My first meal on day one it was amazing I wasn’t hungry until almost 24 hours later. Also I’m questioning that weight change also.  It just seems like a lot.

[Note: Wow! Do you remember when we first spoke before you began, and I told you that the weight was going to pour off because you were a guy? Nice to be right in this case. 🙂 Sure, most of it is water, but as you’ll see on Monday, the measuring tape will show that some is fat. And that’s why you haven’t been hungry. You may be putting limited calories in your mouth, but your body is feeding itself with an additional 2000 calories from your fat stores. And fuel is fuel; it doesn’t matter where it comes from, it just matters that you have enough of it.

And so, yes — you really have gone from 322 pounds pre-Protocol, to 306 pounds today, for a total loss of 16 pounds. You’ll be out of the 300 pound range next week — and you’ll never be back. Wave bye-bye to that number on the scale when it passes by. :D]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 5 – 3/9

Weight: 306.2 pounds = down .2 pounds

Meal:
– 16 oz Pork Chop
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz kale
– 1 oz red bell pepper
– 2 oz potato
– 3 T. Butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1229
Fat: 83.8 grams (61%)
Protein: 98 grams (32%)
Carbs: 20.7 (7%)

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 96
– 1 hour PP (after meal): 114
– 2 hour PP (after meal): 95

I’ve been feeling great and so much better than I have been. It has been easier to wake up in the morning and have that energy even till the end of my work shift at 11 p.m.  My 1-hour PP really spiked but it recovered nicely compared to yesterday.

[Note: Todd, as a new participant you’ll soon discover that the word ‘spiked’ is never followed by the word ‘but’. It’s followed by the word ‘so’ as in: “My 1-hour PP really spiked, so tomorrow no potato or red pepper [or fill-in-the-blank of whatever spiked your sugar] for me! 🙂 The meter isn’t there just to show you a number. It’s to teach you how to eat well. It’s to show you the foods that make you ill, and to show you the foods that make you well. Your job is to read the meter, then immediately go over the day’s menu with your detective hat on, and find the food that made the meter mad. And then . . . not eat it. 😀 Maybe not ever again, or maybe just until you heal a bit more.]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 6 – 3/10

Weight: 305.2 pounds = down 1.2 pounds

Meal:
– 16 oz chicken thighs
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz kale
– 4 large whole eggs
-2 large white only eggs
– 3 T. Butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1253
Fat: 91.6 grams (66%)
Protein: 94.9 grams (30%)
Carbs: 12.1 (4%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1 hour PP (after meal): 99
– 2 hour PP (after meal): 96

I am little tired today only because lack of sleep and a barking dog. Oh well I still feel pretty decent though energy still is good today and really wasn’t that hard to get moving either. Although I was a tad shaky when I got up and hungry but it was time to eat anyways and felt great after eating.

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

Weight: 303.8 pounds = down 1.4 pounds

Meal:
– 16 oz salmon
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz kale
– 3 T. Butter
– 1 oz olive oil

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1224
Fat: 86.6 grams (64%)
Protein: 101.1 grams (33%)
Carbs: 10.1 (3%)

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 93
– 1 hour PP (after meal): 102
– 2 hour PP (after meal): 97

I am so enjoying the weight falling off (like it is) and I’m so glad I started Protocol! Still feeling great, energy is there big time compared to before. I prepared the salmon in the microwave as SugarFree taught me, and it turned out great. It was very yummy. Nice to see you can cook a good decent food in the microwave. I’m getting close to being under 300 again and I’m so excited!

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

Weight: 303.4 = down .4 pounds

Measurements:
Chest: 49″ = down 1.5″
Waist: 55″ = down 2″
Hips: 48″ = down .5″

Meal:
– 16 oz chicken thigh
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz kale
– 4 oz broccoli
– 4 large whole eggs
– 2 large white only eggs
– 1 T. Olive Oil
– 1 T. Butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1252
Fat: 93.6 grams (66%)
Protein: 94.8 grams (30%)
Carbs: 12.1 (4%)

Ketostix: small

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

Wow I feel amazing today! I keep talking about my energy but that is the biggest change in how I feel. It is just so much now and it is an amazing feeling — no more lazy slug — and I’m taking a day off this week JUST TO CLEAN!  I wouldn’t do that before but everything has changed. I know this is only my second week but it has helped so much. The great thing is the soda, which I don’t miss at all.  In fact the only thing that I do miss from the way I was before is the sweet tea. I can live without it, I know that now.

Congrats on the new site, SugarFree!  It works much better with my behind-the-times work computer with IE 6 [ick].  It looks great!

[Note: Thanks, Todd! I figured it was time we all moved to a place we can call our own. As for you, let me see if I have this straight. From the time you wrote your Intro (a day or two before starting Protocol) to now, just over a week later, you have lost 19 pounds and 5 inches? I think it’s safe to say that every woman on this blog hates you. 😀 Kidding, of course, but it is true that women have to work like dogs to lose half a pound and a quarter of an inch, and men just need to basically take a nap and eat well. Ah, life is so unfair.

But seriously, my friend, you are doing amazingly well and you should be extremely proud of yourself. Now go enjoy your clean apartment. By next Monday you’ll be in TwosieLand.]

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

Weight: 303.2 = down .2 pounds

Meal:
– 15 oz chicken liver
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz kale
– 4 oz broccoli
– 5 T. Butter
– 1 T. Heavy Cream

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1182
Fat: 90.7 grams (69%)
Protein: 80.5 grams (27%)
Carbs: 11 (4%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 83
1-hour PP (after meal): 100
2-hour PP (after meal): 97

Still feeling good but took a little bit to get going today.  The energy picked up thankfully as I searched the town for Heavy Cream. Can you freeze heavy cream? This liver is going to take some getting used to. I can’t stand the texture of it and texture of food makes a big part of me liking and being able to eat it.  I didn’t eat all of it.

[Note: Aside from ice-cream, cream cannot be frozen. But that’s good news for you. Now that you have it, add it to your daily menu. You can pour some in  dishes while you cook since it thickens and flavors food beautifully, or – if you have a whisk (and if you don’t, you should get one) – you can make some lovely whipped cream for dessert, or to plop into coffee. Yum!]

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

Weight: 301.8 = down 1.4 pounds

Meal:
– 16 oz Ribeye
– 9 oz asparagus
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz broccoli
– 3 T. Butter
– 2 oz potato
– 1 oz sour cream

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1182
Fat: 78.5 grams (60%)
Protein: 99.1 grams (34%)
Carbs: 20 (6%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 90
1-hour PP (after meal): 101
2-hour PP (after meal): 98

Still feeling good! I can’t wait to start typing a 2– for my weight, and that day is getting close. I’m also glad the potato didn’t spike my blood sugar as it is one of my favorites. Also, today was the first time I’ve had asparagus and it was actually pretty good. I never had it as a child so I was a little scared to try it.  It will for sure be a part of my meals now and again from here on out.

[Note: Never had asparagus! It’s a wonderful veggie, and you can use it in everything from omelets to stir-fries to just on its own, dipped in melted garlic lemon butter. :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 4 – 3/15

Weight: 300.8 = down 1 pound

Meal:
– 20 oz chicken thigh
– 3 large eggs
– 8 oz kale
– 5 oz green beans
– 2 oz sweet potato
– 3 T. Butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1341
Fat: 95.7 grams (64%)
Protein: 97.3 grams (29%)
Carbs: 22.7 (7%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 100
1-hour PP (after meal): 104
2-hour PP (after meal): 97

I was a little surprised at the high fasting because it hasn’t been that high in a while. I was a little scared with the potato but it only went up slightly. I am still learning and wonder if it is stress?

[Note: Todd, it’s not stress — it’s the potato. It spiked your sugars yesterday, your fasting and 1-hr sugars today. This is where you learn and how you learn: from your meter. When you get readings like this you must immediately put on your detective hat and go through your foods until you get to the likely culprit. Then you eliminate it for a few days. If your sugars go down, bingo! Then when you re-introduce it again, you do half the amount and see how your sugars react. Looks like tomorrow or this weekend is Twosieland — just as I predicted. :D]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 6 – 3/17

Weight: 300 = down 0.8 pound

Meal:
– 16 oz pork chop
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz kale
– 4 oz green beans
– 4 oz asparagus
– 4 T. Butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1300
Fat: 95.5 grams (66%)
Protein: 97.7 grams (30%)
Carbs: 12.5 (4%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 90
1-hour PP (after meal): 100
2-hour PP (after meal): 95

Felt pretty good and it was a good meal.  Really like asparagus!  Was just hurting a bit in my back but getting into twosieland made up for it!

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 7 – 3/18

Weight: 299 = down 1 pound

[Note: I don’t often get to say “I told you so” on such a happy occasion, but I am totally psyched to get to say it now. 😀 On March 15, I wrote: “Looks like tomorrow or this weekend is TWOsieland” and Whooooo-hooooo — I was right! I know you’re thrilled, but so is everyone here just as thrilled for you.]

Meal:
– 15 oz salmon
– 8 oz spinach
– 5 oz green beans
– 1 oz lemon
– 5 T. Butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1179
Fat: 83.1 grams (63%)
Protein: 95.4 grams (32%)
Carbs: 12.8 (5%)

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 96
1-hour PP (after meal): 100
2-hour PP (after meal): 97

I’m really addicted to the salmon prepared in the microwave.  It just like a nice refreshing flavor.  I also just a tad concerned that my BG continues to just run in the 90s most of the time but know if I really should be since we are all different.

[Note: Your sugars have been moving down nicely. You are so hyperinsulinemic this progress in only two weeks is nothing short of amazing. And they’ll fall even further in Maintenance.]

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

Weight: 298.4 = down 0.6 pounds

Measurements:
Chest: 48.5″ = down .5″
Waist: 54.5″ = down .5″
Hips: 47″ = down 1″

Meal:
– 15.5 oz top sirloin
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz broccoli
– 5 T. Butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1104
Fat: 73.3 grams (60%)
Protein: 101 grams (36%)
Carbs: 10.1 (4%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 90
– 1 hour PP (after meal): 108
– 3 hour PP (after meal): 106

As I expected, my BG spiked and I have it is a feeling it was the steroids injected into my spine. I am very tired today but that was because I was stressed out about the shot and then also stressed when I couldn’t find a ride.  However, it all worked and finally got home to have my meal.

[Note: Yes, it was the steroids. They contain cortisol, which depresses insulin, which raises blood sugars. They’ll probably be high tomorrow, too. Nothing much you can do about it; this was something medically required.]

Also I love that I’m in TWOsieland!!!!  It is so nice to be back into that range and I was happy also to see another two inches gone.  I also tried Kerrygold Butter today and swoon — I’m in love!

[Note: You’ll be eating Kerrygold by the stick next week when you’re on Maintenance, so save a little for then. :D]

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

Weight: 296.6 = down 1.8 pounds

Meal:
– 25 oz chicken thigh
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz kale
– 10 oz asparagus
– 3 T. butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1276
Fat: 92.5 grams (65%)
Protein: 99.8 grams (31%)
Carbs: 11 grams (4%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 111
1-hour PP (after meal): 124
2-hour PP (after meal): 118

Dragging today and still tired from yesterday.  But that feeling now is a lot different than before I started.  Even a little less sleep and I would have been dead to the world. I’m also loving the weight just dropping off. Also my BG is way high today and though it’s hard to accept, I’m finally understanding that it won’t come down to normal anytime soon.  As SugarFree said, I didn’t get this way in two weeks, and I won’t get better in two weeks or even two months.

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

Weight: 296.4 = down .2 pound

Meal:
– 15 oz salmon
– 8 oz spinach
– 5 oz green beans
– 5 T. butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1168
Fat: 83 grams (64%)
Protein: 95.1 grams (33%)
Carbs: 10.1 grams (3%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose: No numbers. Bad Strips

I feel much better today and the energy is there. After some of my meals I think I’m going to have to give up the Kale or find another way to cook. I can handle the spinach okay as long as it is the fresh kind and not frozen.

[Note: Time to buy that Basic Cookbook. :D]

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

Weight: 295.4 = down 1 pound

Meal:
– 16 oz boneless pork chop
– 4 oz spinach
– 4 oz broccoli
– 10 oz asparagus
– 4 T. butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1248
Fat: 95.6 grams (65%)
Protein: 99.3 grams (32%)
Carbs 4 grams (3%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 92
1-hour PP (after meal): 109
2-hour PP (after meal): 102

I have strips again! So I’m thinking that my body is still recovering from the injection of steroids in my back the other day. However, the numbers are coming down nicely compared to two days ago.

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

Weight: 294.2 = down 1.2 pound

Meal:
– 16 oz shrimp
– 8 oz spinach
– 5 oz green beans
– 3 oz heavy cream
– 4 T. butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1240
Fat: 87.2 grams (63%)
Protein: 97 grams (31%)
Carbs: 16.8 grams (6%)

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 93
1-hour PP (after meal): 104
2-hour PP (after meal): 95

I feel great, and love watching the weight go bye-bye.  Almost thirty pounds gone!

[Note: Todd, in just 2.4 more pounds you will have lost a full 10% of your body weight — a tremendous achievement most doctors would love to see their patients accomplish in a year, but which almost none of them ever see — ever. Yet you did it in just under three weeks. You must feel great. :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 3, Day 6 – 3/24

Weight: 293.8 = down .4 pound

Meal:
– 12 oz boneless top sirloin
– 8 oz broccoli
– 5 oz green beans
– 4 oz feta
– 4 T. butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1180
Fat: 82.4 grams (63%) 741.6
Protein: 94.9 grams (32%) 379.6
Carbs: 14.8 grams (5%) 59.2

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 91
1-hour PP (after meal): 101
2-hour PP (after meal): 97

Getting close thirty pounds gone and I can’t wait to take my measurements Monday! Also the steak with feta on top was heaven!

Protocol Round 1, Week 3, Day 7 – 3/25

Weight: 293.2 = down .6 pound

Meal:
– 16 oz pork chop
– 8 oz spinach
– 5 oz green beans
– 5 T. butter

FitDay Stats:
Calories: 1282
Fat: 95.4 grams (67%) 858.6
Protein: 95.7 grams (30%) 382.8
Carbs: 10.1 grams (3%) 40.4

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
Fasting: 92
1-hour PP (after meal): 99
2-hour PP (after meal): 95

Feeling great and had an awesome time at the butchers! SugarFree sent me there to get some beef suet (the white fat around the kidneys) to render into tallow, but once I was there and saw how great a butcher shop is I bought a lot of other things too, including fresh-made sausage without any sugar in it. Butcher shops. Who knew? 🙂

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

Weight: 292.2 = down 1 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 47″ = down .5″
Waist: 53.5″ = down 1″
Hips: 45.5″ = down 1.5″

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 77
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 108
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 98

WOW!! Thirty pounds gone in three weeks along with about 10 inches. Who could ask for better results! I had a friend at work say man those pounds are just melting away and you just look healthier. That felt awesome!

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

Weight: 292.4 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: Trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 103
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 98
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 97

I couldn’t sleep last night and I woke up late and tired. I was rushing around when I took my Fasting BG, which was a little high compared to lately. I did get caught up and actually left the house early because I even had energy. It was a weird feeling but I hope it lasts through the day. I am so full still from eating my main meal, and it was yummy! Also my awesome sister, Kym, got me a cookbook — The Way To Cook — from one of my favorites: Julia Child, and it’s my very first cookbook. I know SugarFree won’t disagree that it’s a much-needed addition for me. 🙂 Thanks, Kym! Dueling chefs now?

[Note: Enjoy the book, Todd — it’s wonderful.:) About your high fasting BG: When you get a high fasting glucose, and higher than normal PP readings, it’s time to put on your detective hat and figure out why. That means FIRST reviewing your foods. If you look back to yesterday’s foods and today’s — one thing sticks out: potato. So, you don’t just blithely go ahead and put it on the menu for the next day. Either you drop it for a day or two, or cut way back and add more fat. Then you watch your meter again to see if that fixes things.]

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

Weight: 291.4 = down 1 pound

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 104
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 96

Today I baked my salmon with tallow (rendered suet) and man was it great!  I can’t wait to learn more about cooking and my new cookbook – but I don’t know where to start. I might try a duck recipe. There is just so much good stuff in the book; I just haven’t picked what I want to try first. Maybe I’ll write a few recipes down and throw a dart at them. 🙂

My Fasting BG is much better today but a tad higher today at the 1-hour PP.

[Note: Your blood sugars today were fine, if on the high side. And duck, as Kym can tell you, is absolutely fabulous (pun intended. :)) — one of my favorites. The secret is not to over-cook the duck, but make sure it’s rare. Duck is game, not poultry.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 4 – 3/29

Weight: 291.2 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 80
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 99
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 97

I’m feeling great again today and have for a while.  Energy is great, so much so I’m at work sitting just bouncing my legs ready to go do something!  So I tried blueberries for today and I’ve been craving some fruit so it was great.  I kind of squished them into the whipped heavy cream and it was so good.  I think my BG kind of agreed with it since I didn’t spike but seems to be coming down a little slower.  Question though?  I was running late today and rushing around a lot and stressed I was going to make it in time.  So will this also cause the BG to not go down as fast as I’ve noticed with others?

Also Kym sent me a thing on cooking the duck and I think I’m going try that next weekend.  I just have to find it but I bet it is at Whole Foods.

[Note: Todd – yes, rushing around and stress WILL affect blood sugar. Try the blueberries again in on Sunday, when you’re not rushing around or under stress, and see how that goes. As for the duck, you’ll find it in just about any major supermarket, and it will cost a lot less than a duck at WF.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 5 – 3/30

Weight: 291.0 = down .2 pound

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 83
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 100
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 99

I used my high energy today to yell at drivers the whole thirty minute drive to work. My road rage was in high gear and that is the one thing I’ve not be able to calm myself down on. In the past I was very high-strung and just would get angry at the drop of the hat, but though I’m not like that so much anymore I just can’t seem to help myself in the car.

My food was great today and I’m excited because a friend of mine will be in town in a few hours and I’m looking forward to a great weekend. I looked for duck in the supermarket last night but no luck. I’m going to try a few others this weekend.

[Note: Good luck duck hunting. 😀 And enjoy the weekend with your friend.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 6 – 3/31

Weight: 289.2 = down .8 pound

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 81
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 98
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 95

Felt great and having a good weekend with my friend that was in town.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 7 – 4/01

Weight: 291.2 = up 1 pound

Ketostix: moderate

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

Good day.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 1 – 4/02

Weight: 291 = down .2 pound

Measurements:
Chest: 47″ = no change
Waist: 53″ = down .5″
Hips: 45.5″ = no change

Ketostix: Small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 79
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 104
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 98

My 1-hour PP went up, and so if I have sausage again I won’t have carbs like blueberries.

[Note: Todd, the lesson here isn’t “don’t eat sausage with blueberries” because the sausage did NOT contribute to your blood sugar at all. If anything, it kept it from going even higher. The lesson is that 2 ounces of blueberries may be, at the moment, too much for your system to handle while you’re under stress, which also contributed to your slightly elevated blood sugar. Next week you can pick a day and try again — this time with only one ounce of berries.]

Not a lot of changes in my measurements, but I lost a bit in my waist, which is my main concern.  I know the idea of Maintenance is just to stay stable and not regain any of the pounds or inches I lost on Protocol, but if I lose a little fat this month, I’ll take it! 🙂 And just so anyone reading this will know, I’m eating almost 3000 calories a day in fat alone!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 2 – 4/03

Weight: 291.6 = up .6 pound

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 97
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 96

With all the extra fat my meter readings were awesome today, and it let me eat 2 oz of potato with no spikes, which I couldn’t do when I started.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 3 – 4/04

Weight: 288.6 = down 3 pounds

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 88
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 100
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 98

Feeling good today and I guess the three pounds lost were water.  Things are so much better now and it is awesome. My back hasn’t really hurt since I’ve dropped the weight and had the injection in my back. I hope this continues to happen! People at work are really starting to notice, which feels amazing.  As SugarFree said: once I got to 290 I lost 10% of my body weight — and I can’t wait for my doctor to see that. Who would have ever thought you could lose 10% of your body weight in under two months.

[Note: It’s more than that now, with 34 pounds gone (the three pounds were fat as well as water) – and it was in just over a month and well under two months — but who’s counting? :D]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 4 – 4/05

Weight: 290 = up 1.4 pounds

Ketostix: moderate

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 89
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 101
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 98

Feeling good today and can’t wait to have a little pasta with my shrimp and cream sauce tomorrow!

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 5 – 4/06

Weight: 289.2 = down .8 pound

Ketostix: small

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 84
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 119
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 113

Oh, pasta why did you do this to me as you are my favorite! It didn’t seem to work this time but maybe I will try it again next week. I have faith it will be like with the potato, which was slowly introduced again. Lunch was still good though!

[Note: Todd, are you sure you weighed the pasta after it was cooked? It would have weighed less than half an ounce dry.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 6 – 4/07

Weight: 287.2 = down 2 pounds

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 90
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 101
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 97

It was a good day, I didn’t get a chance to eat at home but was able to get some food out that was made to order.  I was at Whole Foods after running some errands and I watched them like a hawk.  When I got home I did eat the rest of my spinach though.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 7– 4/08

Weight: 286 = down 1.2 pounds

Ketostix: trace

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 85
– 1-hour PP (after breakfast): 99
– 2-hour PP (after breakfast): 96

Another busy day, I was making the chopped liver and didn’t realize it had to sit overnight so that is for Monday then.  While making the meal it did smell good though.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 1 – 4/09

Weight: 287.2 = up 1.2 pounds

Measurements:
Chest: 47″ = no change
Waist: 53″ = no change
Hips: 45.5″ = no change

Ketostix: Small

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

I have to say the chopped liver wasn’t so bad. Still not my favorite but maybe when I can make it with duck fat and a food processor it would be better. It is giving me some heartburn though.

[Note: Heartburn easily explained. Instead of eating about 12 ounces, you ate nearly a pound and a half! Chopped liver is never meant to be eaten that way. :(]

I don’t know if this is related but I’ve been having a lot of muscle cramps lately.  I had one really bad last night in my leg and have been getting them in my stomach.  I think I read on someone else postings they were have the issue also and SugarFree said to be sure to use plenty of salt.  I feel that I have been maybe I need more?

[Note: Todd, try this and see if it helps: with your main meal, have 1/2 bouillon cube in a cup of warm water. Meanwhile, Maintenance is working exactly as it is supposed to work: no regaining any of your fat loss. Fat stabilization and blood sugars are excellent for this stage, and will set you up for losing more pounds and inches on your next round of Protocol, Phase 1. :)]