I have been on this diet since August 1, 2002. The first two weeks I stayed on induction. Although I have at times (not too often)eaten more than I should it's always been permitted foods not sugar, breads or starches. In fact, I have not had a single piece of candy - a true miracle for me. What I'm having a problem with is lack of energy. Yes, I've had all the doctor tests, including thyroid. Everything is normal. Finally in desperation this weekend I started drinking coffee again. This is not good. Now I feel really bad. Why am not getting the energy surge everyone talks about? I lost about 12 pounds right away. Now I seem to be at a standstill.

Any ideas?

Katie

Hi Katie,

Well done on such a good start! In fact it was such a good start that your body is almost certainly now having a little "stocktake."

This happens often, you lose a bunch of weight and the body thinks you are starving it so it "hangs on" to whatever it can for a while. What is really going on is that after the initial loss of fat and water, the fat cells tend to hold onto as much water as they can for a bit.

All you have to do is keep going with your low carbing and before too long the excess water will leave in a whoosh. Yes, you'll be visited by our famous Whoosh Fairy!

As for the energy, what supplements are you taking?
Low potassium often results in low energy.

Most of us here agree that the minimum supps you need are a multivite, calcium and magnesium (in a 2cal:1mag tablet - 1000:500mg daily) and potassium. Potassium can be taken in a 99mg tablet or you can use a potassium salt, such as Nu Salt or No Salt.

HTH!

Rosebud