Week five is done, and I'm officially under 310 lbs for the first time in years. The 4mg dose continues to work well, though I'm dealing with some predictable side effects and had to make adjustments to hit my protein goals. Here's what actually happened this week. ## Week 5 Weight Update **Starting week 5:** 309.9 lbs **End of week 5:** 305.4 lbs **Week 5 loss:** 4.5 lbs **Total loss:** 31.2 lbs in five weeks Another solid week of consistent progress. Breaking into the 305s feels like a major milestone. ::gallery[{"images":["https://retatrutidelog.com/uploads/e267f9c1-0cec-4936-bf8b-4eebca0ca03f.png","https://retatrutidelog.com/uploads/f76c030d-fd81-4a51-80d7-87bab354a2bf.png","https://retatrutidelog.com/uploads/911d6b50-0648-45e5-b33c-a4768bfa60a5.png"],"captions":["","",""]}] ## Side Effects: The Headache Pattern Continues Well, I got hit hard again with headaches the morning after my 4mg injection, and the following morning too. This appears to be a consistent trend for me - morning-after injection headaches for about 48 hours, then they disappear. This seems to be the only real side effect I get with this dosage. After the headaches clear up, no more issues on that front. **But insomnia is back.** I'm just not even remotely tired at night. I've been obsessively checking Reddit and YouTube until ridiculous hours. The algorithm is making sure I see every single gym bro and fitness influencer talking about peptides in my face all the time now. ## Food Noise: Still Mostly Quiet Food noise stayed very quiet until Monday of this week. Starting Monday, I started getting "hungry" - but it's not normal hunger. I don't feel pain, but I feel something in my stomach that tells me it's time to eat. **What's different this week:** I'm not feeling sick when eating like I was last week. I still get full quickly and definitely don't have the urge to snack or get up and look in the fridge or pantry every 10 minutes like I used to. ## Hydration Game Strong I'm drinking about a gallon of fluid daily, mostly [Lipton Diet Green Tea Citrus](https://amzn.to/46JlMBe) sugar-free. This stuff has become my go-to beverage - zero calories, decent flavor, and helps me stay hydrated throughout the day. ## Protein Problem: Enter the Power Shake I was still having issues hitting my protein macros with regular food, so I added protein shakes to the mix. After doing some research and cost analysis, I landed on what I'm calling my "Power Shake": ![Blank 4 Grids Collage.png](https://retatrutidelog.com/uploads/38a78b22-08e2-468f-9b41-2472b7430a52.png) **The Recipe:** - **2 cups Darigold FIT milk** (16 oz) - **2 scoops [ON Gold Standard Whey](https://amzn.to/4fsFhA7)** (got it at Sam's Club for $61.98) - **1 tbsp PB2 powder** **The Numbers:** - **Total volume:** ~32 oz - **Calories:** ~525 kcal - **Protein:** ~76g - **Net carbs:** ~10-12g - **Cost per shake:** ~$2.57 ## Why This Shake Works on Retatrutide **What makes it perfect:** - **High protein:** Takes a huge chunk out of my daily protein goal in one shake - **Low carb:** Stays within my keto approach - **Cheap:** Under $80/month for a major portion of my protein intake - **Tastes great:** Actually enjoyable to consume - **Easy:** No meal prep required This has been a game-changer for hitting my protein macros without having to force myself to eat more solid food when my appetite is suppressed. ## Gym Progress: Building the Habit Still hitting the gym every other day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) at 4:30am. The routine is becoming more automatic, which was the main goal. Energy levels during workouts remain good despite the appetite suppression. ## Week 5 Observations **What's working:** - Consistent weight loss continues - Found a solution for protein intake - Gym habit is solidifying - Energy levels remain stable **What's challenging:** - Predictable post-injection headaches - Insomnia issues returning - Algorithm feeding my peptide research obsession - Forcing myself to eat adequate calories ## Looking Ahead **Next week:** Moving to my final planned increase to 6mg. Curious to see how the appetite suppression and side effects change at the higher dose. Still waiting on those Finnrick testing results, which should be coming any day now. That will determine my next steps for sourcing and potentially expanding my protocol. The 4mg dose continues to exceed expectations. The systematic approach to nutrition (protein shakes) and exercise (consistent gym habit) is making this sustainable rather than just crash dieting. 31.2 pounds down in five weeks. This peptide is the real deal. ::subscribe[{"variant":"default"}] --- **Still waiting on those Finnrick testing results!** Should have them soon. **Disclaimer:** The information provided on this site is for **educational and informational purposes only** and reflects my **personal experiences and opinions**. It is **not** intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Retatrutide is an **investigational drug** that is **not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)** for any use outside of clinical trials. Do not attempt to obtain or use this compound without proper legal authorization. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medications, supplements, or medical treatments. The author does **not** sell or distribute any pharmaceutical products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this site may be affiliate links.