Low Carb Struggles

Not even going to touch any of your points except for #1...Why are you doing low carb to begin with? Sounds like its possible your like me and carbs are what your body is satisfied eating

This has been my exact experience with low carb as well. It appears this way of eating is not for you. It's best to find a way that helps you achieve a deficit while eating foods that usually satisfy you (starchy carbs in my case). One note: are you doing 1200 calories? Many people would be hungry on that no matter how they eat. If so, consider increasing your calorie intake.

ETA: as for the other stuff, going too low on carbs can increase cortisol which wreaks havoc with hormones and gastro function. It appears you are extra sensitive to that. I know I am. Do you have cortisol type PCOS by any chance?

Dani_Cali_Carolina wrote: »

I started a low-carb diet nearly 3 weeks ago. Weight loss has been steady but I'm struggling on several points. I'm early 30s, 5'6", 279 lbs, female.

1. I never feel full or satisfied - always hungry no matter what/how often I eat.

Low carb might no be for you, but before you throw in the towel I suggest increasing sodium for a couple of days and see if that helps. One needs 3000-5000mg of sodium a day (there is 2300mg of sodium in a teaspoon of salt). When you lower carbs you lose electrolytes and that sometimes shows itself as hunger or low energy, creates stomach issues and headaches, and eventually causes muscle aches and spasms. I've seen more than a few low carbers whose cravings disappeared once they addressed their low electrolytes. Try a teaspoon of salt with water, some salty broth or salt tablets.

Dani_Cali_Carolina wrote: »

2. At what point will my digestive track acclimate? Every other day seems to bring a different gastrointestinal challenge.

That is quite possibly a low electrolyte issue again. Get more salt. Possibly some potassium and magnesium too (those go low after a few days of too low sodium).

It could also be too much fat (mainly coconut oil) too fast. Too much at first can cause the runs.

Dani_Cali_Carolina wrote: »

I
3. This has my lady organs all confused. My TOM nearly coincided with the start of this diet change and I've yet to stop spotting (both bright and dark colors). What is the deal?

I've read that these results are normal for 3 or 4 days but I'm well pass that point.

I drink plenty of water, 1 cup of herbal tea or decaf coffee per day, no alcohol, limited fruits/nuts/dairy/seeds. I'm hard core into the green leafies, eggs, and baked/broiled/grilled meats, shrimp, and fish. I cook with either butter or olive oil. I haven't added cardio though I have been doing small bouts of body weight exercises throughout the day.

Has anyone else had similar issues? Any advice to help ease these effects? Maybe I'm doing something wrong...

That is not that uncommon. Hormone issues and periods may seem a bit off for a month or so. My cycle was shorter for a couple of months but is not even more regular (I used to vary by over a week). You may want to give it another month.

BUT, spotting could be a sign of cervical dysplasia. If it continues you should probably get it checked - get your PAP a bit early. Better safe than sorry.

Spotting can also be a sign of low platelets or thrombocytopenia. If your gums are bleeding, or you are bruising easily, see a doctor for a CBC (platelet) check.


So, salt, salt salt. Don't drink too much or you'll flush even more electrolytes out. And I would keep an eye on the spotting. If it does not stop before Xmas, maybe see a doctor. Good luck!

You don't have to go low carb to lose weight. Have you considered that perhaps it's not the best option for your body?

Research the Ketogenic diet. It could help.

aburrison1 wrote: »

Dani_Cali_Carolina wrote: »

I started a low-carb diet nearly 3 weeks ago. Weight loss has been steady but I'm struggling on several points. I'm early 30s, 5'6", 279 lbs, female.

1. I never feel full or satisfied - always hungry no matter what/how often I eat.
2. At what point will my digestive track acclimate? Every other day seems to bring a different gastrointestinal challenge.
3. This has my lady organs all confused. My TOM nearly coincided with the start of this diet change and I've yet to stop spotting (both bright and dark colors). What is the deal?

I've read that these results are normal for 3 or 4 days but I'm well pass that point.

I drink plenty of water, 1 cup of herbal tea or decaf coffee per day, no alcohol, limited fruits/nuts/dairy/seeds. I'm hard core into the green leafies, eggs, and baked/broiled/grilled meats, shrimp, and fish. I cook with either butter or olive oil. I haven't added cardio though I have been doing small bouts of body weight exercises throughout the day.

Has anyone else had similar issues? Any advice to help ease these effects? Maybe I'm doing something wrong...

Please research the Ketogenic Diet. Go on ruledme.com and you have all the information you need on that website. Then go one Facebook and look up the groups that deal with eating keto as a way of life. You will be amazed at the concept and how well it works. Don’t be afraid of the concept of eating fat and remaining low carbs. 20 carbs a day max and you will learn the rest. Good luck!

Or just accept that this is not the weight loss plan for you. If fats do not satiate you but fibre, starch etc does, and there is no medical reason to be low carb then sticking with this way of eating is unstatainable.

Never go on a diet that you can not stick with for the rest of your life because you will be part of the 80% that gains back all of your weight or even more once you reach your target weight.

Person says they struggle to feel satisfied on low carb, people recommend even lower. Just...

I've been eatig whole foods, including carbs and have loss 31 lbs. Since July. I have done lo carb in the past and kept it off for 6 years (not calories counting). Now I am able to eat carbs and still lose weight by staying in deficit by logging on mfp. I usually do not buy bread but I regularly eat white rice and potatoes. I also eat chocolate and fruit. Many people doing the lo carb diet would not be able to eat these things.

I feel most sated with a MIX of carbs, fats and protein rather than carbs alone or protein alone.

There is nothing generally wrong with carbs. If that were so every vegan or vegetarian would be fat and that is not the case. If the lo carb is not working for you tighten up your logging, eat more carbs but just stay in deficit.

Also, OP consider the long term. Are you going to enjoy this eating lo carb for the rest of your life? FWIW I don't remember having any serious issues when I ate lo carb. I was not extreme doing keto though. I also wasn't tracking anything so I do not know how many carbs I was consuming-- I just didn't eat bread, pasta, potatoes, rice or sweets. (I eat all of them now).

Nony_Mouse wrote: »

Person says they struggle to feel satisfied on low carb, people recommend even lower. Just...

It's really remarkable.

Here's a post that I like, from someone who is actually an advocate of low carb, about that kind of thing:

http://caloriesproper.com/keto-myths-facts/