I'm a geek, who may try an experiment
Sabine_Stroehm
Posts: 19,263 Member
I recently have been lowering my carbs to see how it affects my symptoms (they're improving, thanks deksgrl). I've now been reading about Keto diets and menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. It's compelling. I may try a Keto experiment and see how I feel (once the low carb flu passes). If I feel better I'd happily eat at a Keto carb level.
If I do it, I'll post my results here.
If I do it, I'll post my results here.
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At this point, hot flashes are really the only symptom I have. Looking forward to hearing your results.0
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My symptoms vary. These days my primary symptoms are insomnia, dizziness, tinnitus, and night sweats (with some day time hot flashes). The most troubling are the dizziness and tinnitus.
I haven't started yet. Am doing some research.0 -
I know that when I eat fewer (and better) carbs, I stay "cooler". If you think about it, it makes sense. Eating carbs is like stoking the furnace. The more a person eats, the hotter the fire. Less carbs = less heat. I noticed it does affect me. Good luck with your experiment.0
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I've noticed this as well.Bikerchickmomma wrote: »I know that when I eat fewer (and better) carbs, I stay "cooler". If you think about it, it makes sense. Eating carbs is like stoking the furnace. The more a person eats, the hotter the fire. Less carbs = less heat. I noticed it does affect me. Good luck with your experiment.
I haven't started yet, still researching. Not sure I'll go as low as keto, but may go down to 50 for a month and see how I feel. Thanks!0 -
Not doing keto/high protein because I love my kidneys. Working more on a macro balance.0
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Not doing keto/high protein because I love my kidneys. Working more on a macro balance.
I'm not doing high protein either. Did my thread suggest I was? I re-read it. Nothing I've posted suggests I'm going "high protein". In fact, since I'm experimenting, I'll be logging for a while. So I re-set my macros to fit a KETO style eating pattern. My protein is now set at 15%. Not high by any standards that I know of. A 40/30/30 is higher in protein.
Best of luck finding a macro balance that works for your menopause. I hope to find one that works with my new stage of menopause.0 -
So low carb, low protein? All that's left is fat?0
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Three weeks ago I started eating better. I'm vegetarian but have a wicked sweet tooth and love my wine in the evening. I suffer from fibroids and one has gotten large enough my doctor wants me to consider my options. I do not want surgery of any kind and so I started researching healthy, natural alternatives - especially diet. As a result, I've cut out sugar, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods. After the first week of detox, withdrawal, etc, I started to feel much better. And I've lost 6.5 pounds. I've been struggling with my weight for the past several years now that I'm in perimenopause. I'm not tracking the ratio of carbs/fat/protein but seem to be under all the recommended totals in MFP. And....I'm staying under my sugar totals which was something I NEVER was doing prior to this!0
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So low carb, low protein? All that's left is fat?
A keto diet is low carb moderate protein high fat.
That's what it is. So yes, high fat.
It's not something that interests you, it seems, but given the research that indicates that menopause can lead to reactive hypoglycemia AND insulin resistance, it interests me. Keto diets, and low carb diets in general can help with inflammation, so that, and keeping my sugars more steady make this an appealing experiment for me.
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aamundsoncpa wrote: »Three weeks ago I started eating better. I'm vegetarian but have a wicked sweet tooth and love my wine in the evening. I suffer from fibroids and one has gotten large enough my doctor wants me to consider my options. I do not want surgery of any kind and so I started researching healthy, natural alternatives - especially diet. As a result, I've cut out sugar, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods. After the first week of detox, withdrawal, etc, I started to feel much better. And I've lost 6.5 pounds. I've been struggling with my weight for the past several years now that I'm in perimenopause. I'm not tracking the ratio of carbs/fat/protein but seem to be under all the recommended totals in MFP. And....I'm staying under my sugar totals which was something I NEVER was doing prior to this!
Well done!0 -
My experiment thus far:
Day 1:
breakfast: an avocado and some nuts
lunch: kale salad with almonds and a can of sardines on top (I love sardines), and oil/vinegar
dinner: grilled andouille sausage with sauerkraut.
Day 2:
breakfast: green smoothie with kale/spinach, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 avocado, ginger, turmeric, a few berries, water
lunch: greek salad (lots of olives) with salmon and pesto/olive oil
dinner: chicken with skin, some greens
Day 3 (today):
breakfast: green smoothie with kale/spinach, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 avocado, ginger, turmeric, a few berries, water
lunch: will be kale salad with some sort of fish, and oil/vinegar
dinner: may be out, if so, steak and broccoli, if IN, chicken with skin and broccoli
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And how are you feeling so far? Usually about day 3 of a diet change is when I'm dragging, have headaches, etc.0
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aamundsoncpa wrote: »And how are you feeling so far? Usually about day 3 of a diet change is when I'm dragging, have headaches, etc.
Pretty well, actually. I did my morning run today with no problem.0 -
Doing well with my experiment so far. I *think* for the long haul I won't do ketosis, in part because I don't think I need to go/stay that low, and in part because I want to keep eating phytoestrogens, which would be a challenge.
That said, I've kept my net carbs under 50, and some days my total carbs under 50. Yes, I've had plant foods every day, several a day, in fact.
Speaking of phytoestrogens. I know I've mentioned them before, but BOY do I love black soybeans. (Yes, I've read about soy, both sides)
1/2 a cup is 120 calories, 310 mg of potassium, 8 grams of carbs 7 grams of fiber (net 1), and 11 grams of protein
A lovely nutty flavor.
http://www.amazon.com/Eden-Organic-Black-Beans-15-Ounce/dp/B000GZS9Q6
cheers!0 -
Good to know - I'll have to try these!0
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10 days now. Settle at about 50 net for the time being. tbh, I don't feel better, and I don't feel worse.
I've managed to lose 3 lbs of vanity weight (and some water weight). I'll take that.
And will keep going for the time being, as long as I feel good.0 -
3 down is awesome ! I try to keep my net carbs under 50 as well...and then I cycle up to about 100 net carbs or more a couple days a week....I'm finding good success. Lost 14 in 5 weeks.Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »10 days now. Settle at about 50 net for the time being. tbh, I don't feel better, and I don't feel worse.
I've managed to lose 3 lbs of vanity weight (and some water weight). I'll take that.
And will keep going for the time being, as long as I feel good.
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3 down is awesome ! I try to keep my net carbs under 50 as well...and then I cycle up to about 100 net carbs or more a couple days a week....I'm finding good success. Lost 14 in 5 weeks.Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »10 days now. Settle at about 50 net for the time being. tbh, I don't feel better, and I don't feel worse.
I've managed to lose 3 lbs of vanity weight (and some water weight). I'll take that.
And will keep going for the time being, as long as I feel good.
Nice! Carb cycling isn't something I know much about but given reality I may be doing it. Great that you're having success!0 -
I just re-read this and see that it wasn't clear. What I meant was: who knows, I may be inadvertently doing it. haSabine_Stroehm wrote: »
3 down is awesome ! I try to keep my net carbs under 50 as well...and then I cycle up to about 100 net carbs or more a couple days a week....I'm finding good success. Lost 14 in 5 weeks.Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »10 days now. Settle at about 50 net for the time being. tbh, I don't feel better, and I don't feel worse.
I've managed to lose 3 lbs of vanity weight (and some water weight). I'll take that.
And will keep going for the time being, as long as I feel good.
Nice! Carb cycling isn't something I know much about but given reality I may be doing it. Great that you're having success!
How much do you have to lose?0 -
This is going very well!0
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An update:
My carb level varies a bit by day, but is at about 50-60grams NET. I chose net so I could keep eating tons of vegetables.
I added back my bio-identical progesterone at the same time I started the experiment, so I created confounding variables. I am taking the amount prescribed, for the first time, and am taking it at night.
So it's been a month and a few days.
OMG I feel so good. My secretary has even noticed!
I sleep! Yes, I still wake up at 12 or 1am, but the difference is: after I pee I fall immediately back asleep.
I've slept so well, I've had a couple of 10 and 12 hr sleeps. I've slept through my workout a few times.
THAT, I believe is mostly the progesterone. But who knows.
I've gained a few pounds (that's the progesterone for sure), but haven't gained a lot (because I'm controlling carbs).
About the carbs: I feel better. My blood sugar is more stable, and the wicked menopause cravings are no longer in control.
I feel like once my body adjusts to the progesterone, I will be able to drop those few LBS and maybe a few more vanity pounds.
A typical day for me these days:
Breakfast: cottage cheese and avocado, or poached eggs and avocado, or avocado and full fat cream cheese on a low carb tortilla, or a high fat green smoothie (avocado, coconut etc). And tomato juice. I had bacon and eggs once.
Lunch: a huge green salad with a cold water fish on it, a full fat dressing
Dinner: whatever protein we're having, and some steamed green vegetables with butter (broccoli, edamame, cauliflower etc) Last night's dinner was a shrimp, tomato, coconut soup.
snacks: nuts, cheese, edamame, nori...
(and some chardonnay. Giving up my lovely evening wine on school nights is my next goal)
TL;dr: something about this combination has me feeling like ME. The only downside is I've gained a couple of pounds from the meds, and am sleeping through workouts.
Here's yesterday:
OH! and some olives. Forgot to add those.0 -
Sabine - I was just thinking about you the other day, wondering how your experiment was going! Sounds like a success!!
My carbs intake has been a lot less lately too. I can't say if that's the reason I've been feeling better and actually losing weight, or if it's eliminating sugar and alcohol and most of the caffeine from my diet. Whatever works!! And it sure gives me incentive to keep up the healthier lifestyle!!
Wishing you continued success....I'm sure the extra pounds will come off as your body continues to adjust.0 -
aamundsoncpa wrote: »Sabine - I was just thinking about you the other day, wondering how your experiment was going! Sounds like a success!!
My carbs intake has been a lot less lately too. I can't say if that's the reason I've been feeling better and actually losing weight, or if it's eliminating sugar and alcohol and most of the caffeine from my diet. Whatever works!! And it sure gives me incentive to keep up the healthier lifestyle!!
Wishing you continued success....I'm sure the extra pounds will come off as your body continues to adjust.
You as well!!! I wish us both luck!0 -
Still feeling good with lower carbs, and bioidentical progesterone.
I've settled at a carb level that allows for plenty of nutrient dense plant foods, and the occasional whole meal bread or crackers.
I'm sleeping well, and have no real symptoms.
Alas, I did just start a bleed. First time in a while. Back to day one of my menopause count! (even though it's likely I'm bleeding due to starting the progesterone)0 -
I love experiments. Keto is an experiment for me too.0
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lithezebra wrote: »I love experiments. Keto is an experiment for me too.
In the end I didn't end up as low as keto, but definitely lower carb than the average western diet eater!0 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »lithezebra wrote: »I love experiments. Keto is an experiment for me too.
In the end I didn't end up as low as keto, but definitely lower carb than the average western diet eater!
I wouldn't do keto if it was for weight loss, and I wouldn't do it if there were a less difficult way to alleviate the symptoms I'm trying to alleviate. I'm glad that your black soy beans and what sounds like a very healthy diet are working for you!0 -
lithezebra wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »lithezebra wrote: »I love experiments. Keto is an experiment for me too.
In the end I didn't end up as low as keto, but definitely lower carb than the average western diet eater!
I wouldn't do keto if it was for weight loss, and I wouldn't do it if there were a less difficult way to alleviate the symptoms I'm trying to alleviate. I'm glad that your black soy beans and what sounds like a very healthy diet are working for you!
Yeah, in the end, I'm definitely not keto.
I am eating very few, but some grains
very few, but some fruit, mostly berries
lots of vegetables
some legumes
definitely not keto.
Just lower.0 -
Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »My symptoms vary. These days my primary symptoms are insomnia, dizziness, tinnitus, and night sweats (with some day time hot flashes). The most troubling are the dizziness and tinnitus.
I haven't started yet. Am doing some research.
Ok - now the dizziness and insomnia are explaining everything. Thank you for sharing this link!!0 -
ScorpionQwean wrote: »Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »My symptoms vary. These days my primary symptoms are insomnia, dizziness, tinnitus, and night sweats (with some day time hot flashes). The most troubling are the dizziness and tinnitus.
I haven't started yet. Am doing some research.
Ok - now the dizziness and insomnia are explaining everything. Thank you for sharing this link!!
Cheers. Hope you find some relief.
I wish the media would mention more than only hot flashes!0
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