Blood Sugar Levels Chart In Spanish

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 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.

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.

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 16ounces 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 andyou’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

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?

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

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

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

Weight: 196 = up 0.6 pounds

– 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

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. 😉�

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.

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.

Weight: 189.6 = down .8 pounds

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

Maintenance Round 4, Week 1, Day 5 – 2/24/2012

Ketostix: Trace

Weight: 186.8 = up .6 pounds

[Note: LOL – this happens every single time you go from Maintenance to Protocol. So … not to worry. :)]

[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.]

Weight: 183 = down 1 pound

Fitday stats: – Calories: 856 – Fat: 60 Grams ( 63% ) – Protein: 64 Grams ( 30% ) – Carbs: 16 Grams ( 7% )

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.