Some people can be kind of "cranky" when they start. You really need a good induction phase of a solid 2-3 weeks for some to break the cycle. Stay away from the chocolate, unless it is sugar free and you REALLY need a fix. If you are eating regular chocolate, you are pushing yourself back out of ketosis and fueling the sugar cravings, and thus extending your carb flu period.

When first starting low carb I got horribly shaky and yes, even moody. After some research I too found it was related to sodium (not getting enough) and dehydration.

If you're craving chocolate, I'd say have some, a little bit, but make it worth it. The extra dark, more than 70% is really good and for me it's chocolately enough to stop me at one piece. I've tried the sugar free chocolate but the sugar alcohols in it kill my stomach. If sugar alcohol doesn't bother you then that's another option to try.

But stick with low carb, your symptoms don't mean your body doesn't like it, it's just adjusting to it. It can be challenging at times, but in the long run you'll feel better and have more energy. Good luck!

YES! OMG, the first week or so, I would snap at my husband and son for every little thing. I am much better now.
I've also gone through the severe leg pains and kidney pains.
Now, I feel great. I'm not hungry at all. I don't feel like I am missing out on anything. last night, I hosted a huge fund raiser with a ton of amazing food. Typically I would get all "I hate that I can't eat this stuff" or "why me?"
Last night, I ate the 2 things that I could. I enjoyed every bite and woke up feeling super proud and happy.

That's the best way to look at it, sometimes you can't have everything served at a function, but if you stick to the things that you should be eating you won't wake up hating yourself the next morning.

crankiness and moody = sugar addiction withdrawls. It took me 8 weeks to get over them at 50g carbs a day, no cheating.

if you are anemic from lack of minerals you have different symptoms:
low potassium = depression, water weight gain, suicidal thoughts, heart problems and panic attacks, ear aches
low sodium = low energy, fuzzyniess to thinking, lack of thirst and hunger, no sweating
low magnesium = muscle fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, migraines, moody emotions, tired
low copper = no endurance, asthma like breathing symptoms, hard to do aerobic or cardio, nightmares, auditory halucinations
low zinc = similar to copper, plus no libido
low calcium = colds and sicknesses

and of course you will crave salty foods if you are lacking those electrolytes. Your symptoms are all of hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. If you suffer from a low carb diet you may actually be type 1 diabetic. Get bloodwork done asap, as a low carb diet is impossible for anyone with type 1 diabetes!

btw, chocolate is a craving for anyone who is magnesium deficient!

I think it has to do with our bodies getting used to be fat burning rather than carb burning. It is like your body is confused at first and is freaking out a little, then it figures it out and smoothes out in a way. But if I eat something I am not supposed to, personally (especially if I am really bad- though I try really hard 95% of the time) I get jittery and shakey for at least 2-3 days sometimes 5 days then I am good again. But usually I stay on plan. But it is like starting all over again if I eat something carby. So most of the time I eat what I am supposed to. But sometimes I don't plan well and end up at my sister in laws house and she eats the carbs and makes granola and is always wanting to cook dessert when we come over for my kids. She has a rare illness so she has to eat carbs....so if I bring things to cook or bring salad to make then I am ok...but every once in a while I am unprepared. It happens....

Michelle

what are the other symptoms of being diabetic? xx

It will benefit you if you consider discussing this with your primary care physician. While there are straight-across-the-board maladies associated with Diabetes, the severity can differ as each person's dietary intake requirements will vary based on their blood-sugar test readings.

If you have concerns, your PCP will help you out. I would suggest bringing in at least three months worth of your MFP Food log intake, three months of your exercise logs, because that will give your PCP a good baseline to begin with. A true A1C test performed is generally a 12hr fasting as that test will determine your blood/chemical breakdown of about a three to four month reading.

Your diary isn't open. What are you eating? How many calories a day?

A lot of people forget to eat while on low carb. They get in a "I am dieting" mindset and start just eating less, plus they are not eating carbs so they just don't eat.

You gotta eat. Eat when you're hungry. Always have foods around that you can eat - don't put yourself in a position to have to eat carbs or hungry.

Eat and drink water.