Hi, I’m new to this site but have been lurking for a few weeks now. My name is Lynne, I’m 31 and live in upstate NY. For the past 8 weeks I’ve been on a moderate/low carb high protein, low fat liquid diet (I know, I know, no one yell at me) . To get to this point I was at witt’s end as I’ve tried over and over to lose weight and the scale WOULD NOT budge, despite my best efforts. I’m insulin resistant and didn’t know it. Anyway, I’ve lost about 25 lbs and have about 50 more to go, depending on how I feel and look. I only plan on continuing this for another 4 weeks. I’ve been looking through lc programs for my next plan of attack as it has become obvious to me that this is what is going to help me help myself to lose this damn fat. I’ve been lifting weights since the very beginning of this fast and doing cardio about 4 to 5 times per week. (elliptical trainer-up to 20 minutes, started at 5 ). Actually, I’ve never felt better with working out and being in ketosis. But when I’m done I plan to continue ketosis and plan on doing a ckd because I really need the energy for my weights and cardio. On this fast, there are days where I can get in a good workout and days where I’m completely whipped. My question is, does anyone see a problem with me doing this? Going from the 800 cal a day diet to lc? Do you think I would still continue to lose weight or should I try a different approach? I KNOW that I definately have carb issues. I really don’t want to take any additional wrong turns, I’ve taken enough thank you! Lol Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Lynne


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Lynne,

I don't know how much this will relate, but two months ago I completely lost my appetite and couldn't eat for weeks. Friends were telling me to drink protein shakes at least, etc. But I would manage to get in a scrambled egg, sometimes if I was feeling better, a small salad. But my appetite was gone, and my fascination for food to play the comfort role no longer existed.

I lost a lot and I lost fast. My fear was that increasing my food intake back up to normal would put the weight back on. So, I was told to gradually increase my calories each day, still drink tons of water and take walks, etc. (you're already on the fat burning system, so you should be ok here)...I never did put on a single pound, in fact, when I started eating normal LC, I continued to lose...

AND I had broken my cravings, my portions were now under control and I realized that food did not help me one bit...it only served as ENERGY when my body signaled for it.

I'm NOT a fan of fasting, but I do know that coming out of one need not be a reversal of your efforts. I would start increasing my calories and carbs with some salads and fats...a little each day until you're in the right zone, maybe a little below is okay for now, see what your body wants. But do get it used to real foods again...the nutrition is important, the fiber is essential, etc. You're on your way with a good loss, so just start transferring that system over to one that includes good foods and you should continue to lose.

Good luck,

Donna,

Thanks so much for your response! It is very encouraging to say the least. That's exactly what I'm afraid of for when I begin eating again. I really really want to be able to lose more weight, not just maintain what I've done and it's good to hear that you were in a similar situation and were still able to lose. I do realize that everyone reacts differently to things. I'm just hoping my results are similar. I just read an interesting study of people on a liquid fast. They broke them down into two groups, one group just cardio and the other group just weights along with 800 cals a day (same as me right now). The cardio group lost a lot of weight but by the end of the 12 weeks their RMR went down considerably and it had been determined that they lost some LBM as well. The weight group not only maintained their RMR, they raised it slightly by the end. They did lose less weight but that was due to not losing any LBM. I've been frustrated somewhat because I haven't lost as much as what was expected but now reading this study, this is probably why (I hope). I can tell that I've added some muscle though. This was so encouraging to me! I can't wait to join the rest of the world again and eat something! LC of course. This last 8 weeks has given me some really good perspective and has proven to me exactly what you said, that food is fuel only and I think I've really absorbed that. I no longer have cravings either and don't obsess about food.

Again, thanks for the post! I can't wait to begin lc'ing officially!

Lynne

Hi Lynne. Best of luck choosing a plan that will work for you. I wouldn't see any problem with your transition as long as you're well equiped with a plan. Have you decided on a LC plan yet? Done any reading? There are some great books. My favorite that I've read so far is Protein Power Lifeplan by the Eadeses. Great info not just on diet, but overall lifestyle. Atkins would be good for you, too, to help you maintain that control over your cravings. You'd stay in ketosis, too; if you're planning on switching over before you reach your goal.

Whatever you decide on, I'd do what Donna suggested and add the extra calories on slowly. I'd also be very cautious with things that could trigger you: artificial sweeteners, low-carb 'junk food'... you'll probably want to avoid that stuff and stick with whole foods.

But it sounds like you'll do fine!

(edit: ) Oh, btw - way to go on your decision to exercise! It's one of the best ways to *increase* insulin sensitivity again.

Thanks Kristine! I have read Atkins, CAD and the Metabolic Diet and I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the Metabolic Diet to start. I'm really getting into the weight lifting thing. I'll see how that works and how my body responds to it. If I can't handle the carb-up on the weekends I'll go straight ketogenic with some carbs an hour or so before each workout. Thankfully, with the program I'm on now there is a re-feed portion and they do introduce food slowly over a matter of 6 weeks. Although honestly, I've been introducing it myself slowly for the past 2 weeks. An ounce of cheese here, a bite of roast beef there. Strictly protein. Nothing drastic and it hasn't done anything against the weight loss. I've really been paying attention to labels when I go shopping to see what I can safely eat when the time comes. So, I think that's my plan and then I'll just see how I respond and tweak things as necessary. Thanks for your post and information!