During past attempts at low-carb living, I have ended up quitting, not because of hunger, but because of the way it made me feel: generally yucky, low energy, often with a bit of nausea. I tried the carbohydrate addicts plan of no carbs except for a 1 hour a day "rewards meal", but found that I was unable to limit myself to the hour or the recommended equal portions of fat, protein and carbos.

I read someplace that carbohydrates stimulate serotonin production, which I think I may be deficient in anyway, and I thought perhaps that was why I felt bad on low carbs.

Anyhow, this time I tried giving myself a "rewards day" once a week when I am allowed to eat whatever I want. I find that I feel better through the rest of the week and have no trouble staying low carb on the other days. In fact, I eat less on my rewards days than I used to eat every day. I have difficulty consuming the quantities of carbohydrates that I used to. Eating an entire plate of spaghetti and meat balls doesn't even sound good. I also find that the high-carb foods don't taste as good as I remember them, so "whatever I want" may be just as likely to be an apple as a Snickers.

I have been exercising some. I walk 18 holes of golf a couple times a week and take bike rides maybe a couple of other times. In six months I have lost 15+ pounds, which is less than I would hope, but better than nothing.

I wonder if anyone else has tried this approach and if there are any downsides?