Welcome, Hayabusa.

I can't help you on the exercise question, but check out our exercise forum, and our gurus (especially TrainerDan and Fern) should be able to help you.

I *can* help with the finances, however. As a poor ex-student with a HUGE student loan, I don't find low-carbing particularly expensive. I buy cheaper cuts of meat, like chuck steaks, and make curries or stews. I buy off-cuts of bacon and whole chickens which I cut up, freeze, and cook one or two pieces at a time. I don't eat a lot of dairy, so cream and cheese are not much problem. Veggies aren't expensive, and just think of all those chips, Cokes, and chocolates, and other 'treats' I'm not buying!

As for your after-exam depression, that might have been caused by the release of tension, not the change in diet. I've been there too.

Rachel