‘I’m On A Strict Low-Carb, High-Protein Diet—Here’s What It’s Like’

8:15 a.m. I set my alarm for 8:15 to make it to a workout class at 9. I weigh myself and I am up to 145.6 pounds. I was 144.2 Saturday so this is really depressing. I have my protein shake (from Profile) and leave for the gym. Today’s class is called K Rock. It’s five-minute intervals of kettlebells, body weight moves, and cardio. My smart watch says I burned 500 calories! 

10:00 a.m. I get home and have another protein shake and decide to put a chuck roast in the crock pot for Italian beef for dinner. 

11:45 a.m. I realize I’m hungry so I make a salad with lettuce, some celery, shredded cheese, and two tablespoons of ranch dressing. (I love ranch.) I also have another shake. (I’m supposed to have three shakes by lunchtime on the Profile by Sanford program.) 

1:00 p.m. I am starting to get hungry and drink some more water. I’ve had 20 ounces so far. My daily goal for water is minimum 64 ounces. I have a string cheese for a snack. 

3:30 p.m. I finish some online training modules for the hospital and have a protein bar. I have a caramel pecan bar by Profile, which tastes like a candy bar. I’m up to 50 ounces of water. 

5:45 p.m. My Italian beef won’t be ready until 6:30, and I am getting hungry. In the past I would snack on some chips, but since I’m on this plan I have a slice of cheese. I am so glad I can still have cheese on this plan—in limited quantities. 

6:35 p.m. I eat the Italian beef, which I normally eat on bread as a sandwich, without bread for lower carbs and some green beans. And I’m actually full. I’ve had at least 64 ounces of water today.

7:00 p.m. I go to the grocery store to get the items on my list. I end up only getting what I need, however, my boyfriend decides he needs pizza, chips, and other junk, making this process a lot harder. 

8:30 p.m. I have another shake as my after-dinner snack. I’m feeling a little disappointed because I’ve only taken 7,583 steps, but I’m also feeling proud because I’ve burned 635 extra calories today! 

10:00 p.m. I go to bed pretty satisfied, no hunger pains.

Learn how to step up the intensity of your next cardio workout with a pair of 5-pound dumbbells: