SuesNewImage I hear you. My work canteen smothers proteins with sauces and pairs reasonable things in an integrated fashion with pasta or potatoes. I end up buying eggs, nuts and green leafy veg and noting to self to pack a protein! Feels horrible not to have a choice other than dissecting food which is isolating.
Fortunately for me I am so much happier with no sugar (less than 10 grams) than before I started reducing carbs that I can get past the feeling like a freak at lunch.

I felt depressed when I ate lots of carbs -- but letting go of that was really hard, like letting go of "comfort" and "best friend." It took about 30 days to start to feel a lot better, but still in the winter it can be hard, and I use a "light box" -- some evidence that this helps with mood in dark winter months, and I try to stay connected with community. Sometimes professional help can make a difference too!

who4fan wrote: »

I have only been doing this again for a few days and I am depressed as well. I am sure that part of it is that the holidays are coming and many of the things I love to have during the holidays are not part of this diet. I am trying to limit calories, which of course I shouldn't be doing. It's just that I am used to doing it and breaking that habit is hard.

You'd think it would suck, but it's actually not as bad as you expect it to be. I used to be the type that had a hard time staying away from all the holiday goodies, but now, as long as I don't start, I can turn it down fairly easily and don't feel bad about it, because the cravings are no longer there. Additionally, even if you do end up caving, after you've been low carb for a while, any issues the carbs/sugar give you will be highlighted from such an event and you'll very likely have little desire to repeat that again.

Raynne413 wrote: »

Also keep in mind that this is the time of year for SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I have MAJOR issues this time of year, and I always want to go crazy with carbs (this is my first winter doing keto). I actually went ahead and got on something because I could already tell this year was going to be BAD for me.

Yep, this is especially the case if you're in an area that is overcast this time of year. Dropping carbs can highlight the lack of Vitamin D (because carbs increase serotonin levels, which can mask the effects of Vitamin D deficiency). Try supplementing with high quality Vitamin D (ideally with K2) for a while and see if that helps, too.

iammantistobbogan wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice guys. Spent a good bit of time this weekend doing more research and changing my goals so I'm hoping that will make a change to my mood

@iammantistobbogan How's it going? Sometimes the mere fact that you're working to feel better helps.

So glad you're feeling better! Part of the challenge of this wol is finding that balance, where you feel best. Once you find it, things are wonderful!

I totally know how you feel - I've been in the same boat. I 100% know that it's the isolated feeling that gets to me. I have put too much 'joy' in food I guess. I'm hoping and working to transfer that joy to a new kind of cooking/eating! I think I want to set a goal of making 2 new things each week (maybe more if I can manage). The overwhelming part for me is having the ingredients on hand that work well in crafting some low-carbery foods. Once I build up some stuff it'll be easier (I hope). Hang in there and know you're not alone.

Also - I had no idea the fat could be an issue. I'm really going to try and focus in on the macros better. And stop worrying as much about the calories.

I like to think that food can be joyful on a low carb plan. Some of the foods I eat aren't my favorites, but I'm replacing them with things I love as I find new recipes. My husband seems to like what I'm cooking. I know that some people prefer not to enjoy food, in order to lose weight, but I can't do that.