I have not seen removing the lower leaves or branches as a way to prevent stretching. It is possible you created a better environment for grow that was previously limiting the plants ability to thrive. There is a scientific term called limiting factor. It basically means in this case the plant is only going to grow as well as the biggest limiting factor. Environment, Food, Water, Light to name a few.
If you plan on continuing to grow the way I believe you will do your best is to focus on the inputs you can directly control right now. Leave the nutrients for later. Focus on the Temperatures, humidity and general grow room environment. Get that in order while just using a basic nutrient formula like GH trio. I use it on moms but not in flower. Once you have the environment dialed in and as automated as possible start messing around with nutrients if you would like but there is nothing wrong with just basic nutrients.