So, I'm almost due for my period, and i have not seen a bit of loss for the past 4 days. Is this normal? My keto strips are as purple as ever, so I guess I am still burning fat. I have been following the plan, even drinking extra water. Will it all 'catch up' with me?

I guess all I can do is keep trying. Does this pre-period slow down happen to others?

Muchos Gracias

This is the very reason I started searching the boards. Just didn't want to bring up the subject myself. I wish I had an answer to your question, but I am in the exact same spot you are in. I guess we can both hope for a happy surprise when all is said and done. A 5 pound drop would be nice all of a sudden! Did you get that WHOOSH fairy? I can here her laughing at me now, "poor misguide mortal ."

TOM, as the big 'p' is referred to around here, can often wreak havoc on your system. It is totally normal for one to retain up to 7-8 (some even more!!) lbs. before/during/after TOM. No worries though, if you follow the plan, those extra lbs. will go and may take a few more with them! I, personally, gain a few and then lose them after TOM has packed up and left. Sometimes he takes a few more w/him, but not too often. I also have TOM visits where my weight stays put w/no fluctuations- that's rarely though. I've gotten to the point where I don't expect any loss when TOM is coming to town.

If your keto sticks are dark purple, that shows one of 3 things:
1) You're actually dehydrated and need to drink some more water (sometimes I swear I'll float away...)
2) You've tested after a meal- fat will trigger the sticks to show positive
3) Alcohol will do the same as fats and trigger a positive response on the sticks

HTH! Feel free to ask anything about TOM- there's plenty of us gals out here that are more than willing to help.

Nikki

Slack and Mary!

yes, it seems to be normal. From two observations I can say:

-first a big, unexpected hunger some days or week before TOM
-then retaining water which can make you believe you are gaining again or you're stalled *WRONG*
- then a big weight loss!!!!
Good news, my PMS is gone and the water retention is not even close to what it used to be before lowcarbing.

Be patient!

Good luck....

Alina

Alina and Tiggerdy have described my experience as well.

The week before TOM comes to visit I want to eat all the time and my weight doesn't budge. It usually takes 3 or 4 days after it is over for my scale to show any change. Don't worry!

My bloating is almost gone and my other symptoms are mucho reduced.

Paleoanth