SugarFree Protocol – Trish

This is Trish’s Thread. She started Protocol on Monday, September 26.

Trish’s Intro:

Hi, everyone! I’m forty-five-years-old and 5’8” tall.

I’ve had a weight problem since I was ten. I use to ride long distances and average 150 miles/week, but remained overweight. I tried a lot of diet drugs  and fad diets when I was younger and still never managed to get to my ideal weight or even lose much weight. I  continued to gain into adulthood. My highest weight was 288. I did lose weight eating high protein and low-fat. That got me down to 138 in 2007, and I maintained that until 2010.

In 2010 my dog Milo became terminally ill. I cared for him around the clock for the last year of his life and put my health on the back burner. I gained weight all that year and when he passed, I was still gaining. I reached 198. I weigh a bit less now but will give my official weight on tomorrow.

While I was caring for Milo I tried the HCG protocol; it was new and had gotten rave reviews. I started at 188 and got down to 159 but regained everything when I started Phase 3. I tried HCG three times and was never able to stabilize. Although I weigh less than my highest weight I am actually a bigger size. Which means I’m fatter than ever.

With Sugarfree’s Protocol I hope I can reverse the damage that I have done to my body. I will eat 64 grams protein, 50 grams fat, and 25 grams carbs. I am ready to jump in and get to feeling better on a daily basis. I hope you’ll all hang around and read up on my progress!

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 1 – 9/26/11

Weight: 186

Measurements:
Bust: 40″
Waist: 40.5″
Hips: 42.5″

Breakfast: .5 T cream w/coffee

Lunch:
– 7 oz. Salmon
– 1.5 oz. Brown rice
– 12 spears Asparagus
– 6 oz. cauliflower
– 6 oz. Spinach
– 1.5 T. Butter

Dinner:
– 1 Jumbo egg
– 2 whites
– 2 oz. Spinach
– 1 oz. red peppers
– 1 T Butter

Fitday Stats:
– Calories: 774
– Fat: 49.6  (58 %)
– Carbs: 20.3 (10.%)
– Protein: 62.4 (32%)

Ketostix: Negative (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 105
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 102
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 115

I felt very full from my big meal. I didn’t sleep well last night and woke up tired this morning.

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 2 – 9/27

Weight: 185 = down 1 pound

Breakfast: .25 T cream w/coffee

Lunch:
– 11 oz. Chicken thigh
– 1.5 oz. Brown rice
– 8 oz. Squash, yellow
– 4 oz. Broccoli
– 4 oz. Spinach
– 1 T. Butter

Dinner:
– 1 large egg
– 2 whites
– 1 oz. red peppers
– .75 oz. Provolone cheese

Fitday Stats:
– Calories: 789
– Fat: 50.8 (58 %)
– Carbs: 19.1 (10%)
– Protein: 63.9 (32%)

Ketostix: Negative (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 108
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 100
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 103

Still didn’t sleep well last night. I was stuffed with my food today. I lost one pound, which surprised me because my blood sugars were high.

[Note: Not surprising about the pound loss — it’s all water, which doesn’t require lipolysis. Lipolysis burns fat. Your body is just wringing out all the water that came with all the carbs you used to eat. Each gram of carbohydrate contains four molecules of water (unlike fat or protein) … so when you stop eating lots of carbs, your body dumps the water. This will continue for a day or two … and then further losses will be fat.]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 4 – 9/29

Weight: = 181.8 = down 2.2 pounds

Lunch:
– 1 oz. Red peppers
– 2 whole egg
– 2 egg whites
– .5 T Butter

Dinner:
– 5 oz. Rib-eye steak
– 6 oz. Broccoli
– 1 oz. Sour cream
– 1.5 oz. Red Potato
– 1 T Butter
– 8 Spears Asparagus
– 4 oz. Green Beans

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 772
– Fat: 48.5 grams (56%)
– Protein: 59.4 grams (31%)
– Carbs: 24.5 grams (13%)

Ketostix: trace (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 108
– 1-hour PP (after Dinner): 94
– 2-hour PP (after Dinner): 97

Feeling better today, but still have a slight headache. My fasting blood sugar was up and I’m thinking since my big meal was later that might have something to do about it. I lost 2.2 lbs. I wonder if it is fat burning since my keto strips are at a trace.

[Note: You’ve lost just over four pounds in four days so yes, most of it was water. However, judging by how nicely your blood sugars have come down (your high fasting may well have been influenced by your late meal yesterday), I expect real fat loss to be just around the corner. The true test will come on Monday, because lost inches from around the waist or hips definitely means lost fat! 🙂 Please see a doctor about the headache if it continues.]

Protocol Round 1, Week 1, Day 5 – 9/30

Weight: 181 = down .8 pound

Lunch:
– 6 oz. Zucchini
– 8 oz. Spinach
– 1 Slice Bacon
– 6 oz. Cauliflower
– 1.5 oz. Sour cream
– 1 T Butter
– 1.5 oz. Red potato
– 1 T Cream cheese
– 5 oz. Salmon

Dinner:
– 1 oz Red peppers
– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg whites
– .5 T Butter

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 762
– Fat: 50.1 grams (59%)
– Protein: 56.7 grams (30%)
– Carbs: 21 grams (11%)

Ketostix: trace to small (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 110
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 97

My headache is finally gone. I slept better last night. I think I’m getting the hang of this plan because it’s starting to get easier. I am feeling less stressed by all the things I need to keep track of. I am starting to get excited about how good I feel!!!!

[Note: Ah — Light at the end of the tunnel! Happens to everyone on Protocol sooner or later. I’m so glad it’s sooner for you :)]

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

Weight: 181 = no change

Lunch:
– 4 oz. Yellow squash
– 2 oz. Sour cream
– 4 oz. Broccoli
– 4 oz. Kale
– 1.5 oz. Red potato
– 8 asparagus spears
– 1.5 T butter
– 1 oz. Sour cream
– 5 oz. Tilapia
– 1 oz. Red peppers

Dinner:

– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg whites
– .5 T Butter
– 1 Baby Bel cheese
– 4 oz. zucchini

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 762
– Fat: 48.5 grams (57%)
– Protein: 56.8 grams (30%)
– Carbs: 24.5 grams (13%)

Ketostix: trace to small (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 110
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 97
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98

I feel good today, well rested. I am going to try some new foods this week.

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

Weight: 180.6 = down .4 pound

Lunch:
– 5 oz. 80% Ground beef
– 1.5 oz. Red potato
– 1 T Butter
– 6 oz. green beans
– 4 oz. Zucchini
– 4 oz. kale

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

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 760
– Fat: 50.8 grams (60%)
– Protein: 51.2 grams (27%)
– Carbs: 24.4 grams (13%)

Ketostix: Small to Moderate (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 103
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 88
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 82

At the end of my first week I realize several factors that have ruined my previous weight-loss efforts: Fat is not my enemy, it is my friend. While my doctor says my fasting BG of 89 (only on the day I took the test) is “in range” I have seen daily for myself that is actually abnormally elevated on average. By eliminating sugar of all kind I feel more peaceful, rested and energized. I realize my BG will take some time to come back within my normal range, and I’m willing to trust Sugarfree’s protocol and enjoy my results. I refuse to be a statistic and want what is “OPTIMAL FOR ME” — not the “within normal range” for my age. Thanks, SugarFree!!!!

[Note: You are so very welcome, Trish! :)]

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

Weight: 180.2 = down .4 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 39.5″ = down .5”
Waist: 39.5″ = down 1”
Hips: 42.5″ = no change

Lunch:
– 5 oz. tilapia
– 1.5 oz. sweet potato
– 2 T butter
– 4 oz. Brussel sprouts
– 8 oz. bok choy
– 1 slice bacon

Dinner:
– 1 slice bacon
– 1 whole egg
– 2 egg whites
– .5 T butter
– 1 Baby Bel cheese

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 778
– Fat: 50.8 grams (59%)
– Protein: 57.2 grams (29%)
– Carbs: 23 grams (12%)

Ketostix: moderate (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 102
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 82
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 76

Brussel sprouts were delicious and so was the bok choy. I forgot how good these both were. I love sweet potatoes; I added cinnamon and a drop of stevia. My BG is coming down … YEAH!!! I have lost 1.5 inches too.

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

Weight: 179.4 = down .8 pound

Lunch:
– 3 oz. Chicken liver
– 4 oz. Chicken thigh
– 8 oz. Swiss chard
– 4 oz. zucchini
– 12 spears Asparagus
– 4 oz. Spinach
– 1.5 T. Butter
– 1 oz. Corn
– 1 slice bacon

Dinner:
– 1 large egg
-2 whites
– 1 oz. red peppers
– .5 T butter

Fitday Stats:
– Calories: 769
– Fat: 49.8 (58 %)
– Protein: 56.1 (29%)
– Carbs: 24.1 (13%)

Ketostix: moderate (trace, small, moderate, large)

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

I am trying chicken liver today. I guess corn is out for a while … but it sure was good. Had a pretty good day overall.

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

Weight: 179.0 = no change

Lunch:
– 4 oz. beef pot roast
– 8 oz. broccoli
– 4 oz. petite Brussel sprouts
– 1.5 oz. sweet potato
– 1.5 T butter
– 4 oz. bok choy

Dinner:
– 1 extra-large egg
– 2 whites
– 1 oz. red pepper

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 756
– Fat: 50.8 grams (63%)
– Protein: 52.2 grams (25%)
– Carbs: 22.6 grams (12%)

Ketostix: small (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 74
– 1-hour PP (after Dinner): 85
– 2-hour PP (after Dinner): 88

I am feeling run down today. I am hungry so I will eat my lunch earlier than usual. I forgot to take my progesterone last night maybe that’s why I feel run down. I enjoyed my lunch today and am satisfied.

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

Weight: 178.6 = down .4 pound

Lunch:
– 7 oz. Pork shoulder roast
– 4 oz. broccoli
– 1.5 oz. sweet potato
– 1.5 T butter
– 4 oz. bok choy

Dinner:
– 1 extra-large egg
– 4 oz. brussels sprouts

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 793
– Fat: 55 grams (63%)
– Protein: 50.2 grams (25%)
– Carbs: 24.5 grams (12%)

Ketostix: moderate (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 105
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 94

I had a good night’s sleep and feel very refreshed. I have been feeling like I have to force myself to eat because I’m not very hungry, is this lipolysis? Lunch was very good but I am stuffed.

[Note: Yes, feeling full means that you are in lipolysis. Not constantly … just when insulin levels drop, about 6 hours after your big meal, and usually through the night. So not being hungry isn’t surprising. After all, when you’re losing inches — fat — where does it actually go? First it’s converted into a substance that the body can use for fuel, and then it’s burned for fuel, thus ‘feeding’ your body hundreds if not thousands of calories. No wonder you’re stuffed! 🙂 When that happens after your big meal and you’re not hungry enough to eat the small meal — don’t eat it. You’re not starving; you’re the opposite of starving, so that little food will not be missed.

And when your body gets tired of lipolysis and wants to stabilize, it will let you know by slowing down lipolysis and making you hungry again, usually at the end of the second week of Protocol. That’s one way you’ll know it’s time to move on to Maintenance. Isn’t it great how our bodies share so much information, if only we’re willing to listen? :)]

Protocol Round 1, Week 2, Day 7 – 10/9

Weight: 177.6 = down .8 pound

Lunch:
– 4 oz. bok choy
– 4 oz. cauliflower
– 1.5 oz. sweet potato
– 5 oz. green beans
– 1.5 T. butter
– 6 oz. rib eye
– 1 T cream cheese

Dinner:
– 1 whole egg
– 1 egg whites
– .5 T butter
– 1 oz. red pepper
– 4 oz. kale

Fitday stats:
– Calories: 736
– Fat: 48.5 grams (69%)
– Protein: 50.8 grams (20%)
– Carbs: 24.1 grams (11%)

Ketostix: small (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 101
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 93
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

Feel good today. I start maintenance tomorrow. I can’t wait. I can’t wait to do my measurements because my pants are very loose on me.

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

Weight: 177.6 = no change

Measurements:
Bust: 39.5″ = no change
Waist: 37.25″ = down 2.25” —> WOW!
Hips: 41.5″ = down 1”

Ketostix: small (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 102
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 94
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 100

Pulse: 76

I enjoyed my scallops. I slept better last night, even though I went to bed at 10 pm. My 2 hour pp was elevated, not sure why cause I have a lot of fat with my potato.

[Ah, but it was a sweet potato, and you had 2.5 ounces instead of the usual 2 ounces. So what you learned today is that for now, YOU either need more fat with that much sweet potato, or you need to eat a smaller amount with the same amount of fat. This will change as your metabolism continues to heal.

Speaking of which, your inches lost from around your waist this week is fabulous, and shows that you are continuing to lose excess adipose fat, a sign of increasing insulin sensitivity. You’re definitely on the right track! :)]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 1, Day 2 – 10/11

Weight: 179 = up 1.4 pound

Ketostix: small (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 112
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 87
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 91

Pulse: 72

I forgot to take my progesterone early last night and as a result my Fasting BG was up. I am going to start tapering down on Wednesday, so hopefully this will help. Stomach very upset after my lunch, not sure what’s going on … if I am getting sick or what. I used 5 T butter with my potato and the rest of my butter with my veggies.

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

Weight: 178.6 = down .4 pound

Ketostix: trace to small (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 103
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 86
– 3 hour PP (after lunch): 86

Pulse: 80

SugarFree had me move my evening dose of thyroid medication to just before bedtime (I was taking it in the early evening). I slept better last night. The soup was so darn good. I love fall food!!!!

I made the soup today (it’s for the maintenance phase) and it was a “success” since it didn’t spike my BS at all, so I’ll post it on the Recipe Thread.

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

Weight: 178.6 = no change

Ketostix: trace (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 102
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

Pulse: 72

Feel really good today. I slept good last night. It’s been 2 days since I lowered my progesterone. I was hungry for my meal today. I haven’t been hungry for a few weeks. I am slowly increasing my fat intake and my tummy feels much better. I can’t wait for fruit next week.

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

Weight: 178.6 = no change

Ketostix: trace (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 98
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 95
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 94

Pulse: 76

My sleep is slowly improving each day. I actually slept in until 7:00 am.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 1 – 10/17

Weight: 179.6 = up 1 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = down .5”
Waist: 37″ = down .25”
Hips: 41″ = down .5”

Ketostix: trace (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 108
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

Pulse: 72

I enjoyed my raspberries and cream. Overall I feel good today.4

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

Weight: 180 = up .4 pounds

Ketostix: trace (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 104
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 96
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

Pulse: 76

Lunch was good. I couldn’t eat all of it. I had clinic for the past two days and I am exhausted today.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 3 – 10/19

Weight: 180 = no change

Ketostix: negative (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 103
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 90
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 88

Pulse: 76

I slept better last night. I cut down to 2 trochee per day. I have a follow-up with my doctor Friday at 9:30 am to review my lab work. I’m nervous cause my doctor is very uncomfortable with stepping out of her comfort zone.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 2, Day 4 – 10/20

Weight: 180 = no change

Ketostix: small (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 104
– 1-hour PP (after Dinner): 100
– 2-hour PP (after Dinner): 98

Pulse: 72

Slept most of today, I guess school is paying its toll on me. I feel better after I ate.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 2 – 10/25

Weight: 180.8 = up .8 pound

Ketostix: negative (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 110
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 112
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 114
– 3 hour PP (after Lunch):110

Pulse: 72

I am down to 2 progesterone trochees now and am planning on going to 1 ½ starting Wednesday. I can tell when my BG is high that I am hungrier sooner. I did an extra BG to see if it would come down.

[Note: Trish, as I’ve mentioned to you privately and now want to say publicly so everyone can understand — it is not the progesterone that is raising your blood sugars. It is the Cytomel (T3) you’re taking that is raising them. As you wean yourself off the Cytomel, your blood sugars will come down, though it will take a while.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 3 – 10/26

Weight: 180.6 = no change

Ketostix: trace (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 103
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 89
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 86

Pulse: 76

Didn’t sleep good last night. I didn’t have any fruit today like yesterday.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 4 – 10/27

Weight: 180.6 = no change

Ketostix: trace (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 102
– 1-hour PP (after Dinner): 96
– 2-hour PP (after Dinner): 90

Pulse: 76

Slept good last night, I had a good day today. I am feeling better every day.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 5 – 10/28

Weight: 180.8 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: trace (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 102
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 95

Pulse: 72

Feel really good today. I slept good last night. I am looking forward to starting back on protocol.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 6 – 10/29

Weight: 180.8 = no change

Ketostix: trace (trace, small, moderate, large)

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 102
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 110
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 114
– 3-hour PP (after lunch): 108

Pulse: 72

I feel pretty good today. I have a busy weekend of running around town grocery shopping…..the joys of living out-of-town. I had ¼ cup raspberries and 2 oz. of potato at lunch so added an extra BG reading.

[Note: And, as you can see, the combo did so much harm your BS stayed elevated for three entire hours (and, I’m pretty sure, for many hours beyond that) after eating it. Fruit AND starch? Not a good combo, probably not for another six months at least.]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 3, Day 7 – 10/30

Weight: 181 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 100
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 92
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 90

Pulse: 76

My sleep is improving each day. I actually slept in until 7:30 am. I love the weekends!

[Note: It sounds like you’re feeling so much better since you began to wean yourself off the T3, and look at your fasting blood sugar — better than any I’ve seen so far! This is wonderful; keep it up. :)]

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 1 – 10/31

Weight: 180.8 = down .2 pound

Measurements:
Bust: 39″ = no change
Waist: 37″ = no change
Hips: 39.75″ = down .25”

Ketostix: negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 102
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 100
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 98

Blood Glucose Average:
– 1- hour PP: 98
– 2 – hour PP: 98
– 3 – hour PP: 109

Pulse: 74

The start to my busy week. Today I was so full after my lunch. I am very tired today.

Maintenance Round 1, Week 4, Day 2 – 11/1

Weight: 181 = up .2 pound

Ketostix: negative

Blood Glucose:
– Fasting: 103
– 1-hour PP (after lunch): 98
– 2-hour PP (after lunch): 92

Pulse: 72

I had a good day over all.

[Note: Your FBS was high today, Trish — did you increase your Cytomel?]