I was wondering, I seem to be feeling some weakness (nearly at the end of my two weeks of induction, 11 lbs. lost so far).

I am fine just doing easy, day-to-day stuff, but when I try to, for instance, climb 3 flights of stairs hauling up 20-30 lbs. of groceries, by the time I get to the top, I feel almost light-headed and my muscles in my legs actually feel like they are close to muscle failure.

I didn't feel that way before the diet...is it just that my muscles are still trying to learn how to operate on fat stores instead of just operating from sugar like they are used to?

Is this something I can expect to always feel on this WOE, or is there eventually an adjustment that happens and you don't feel so weak and light-headed?

Right now, the idea of doing any really strenuous exercise - anything beyond walking, that is - seems daunting to me given my weakness in my muscles.

Thanks,
Love, Leora

Hi Leora,

Sorry you're not feeling up to par, but congratulations on the 11 lbs gone. Here's a link in "Hot Links" that might answer your questions.

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthre...1901#post271901

judy

Wow, thank you so much!

I thought I was the only one, LOL! Gosh, I didn't know it was a common thing!

I will read all of it, thank you!

Love, Leora

I felt the same way, many times, doing the stairs, not a nice feeling is it.

Atkins says if that happens you need to up your carbs abit, and lack of Potassium will do that also. I was only taking 100 mg a day my doctor just increased it to 550, I'm much better now.

Cheers Kathy

Thanks so much! I will go out and see if I can find a multivitamin with potassium in it and see if that helps me!

And I will likely be upping my carbs anyway (more low-carb veggies) because I am coming out of induction in another day or two and "graduating" to the OWL phase.

Love, Leora

I also had the muscle fatigue and found it improved with some magnesium supplements (potassium didn't work) and also better since I've increased carbs but still find climbing stairs a "challenge". (Watch potassium - not to be taken with blood pressure medication.) Fortunately since losing 5 kg i have been able to cease my medication and BP has returned to normal!

Hmmm...okay....I'll try to find a vitamin pill with potassium AND magnesium....

Hopefully it will work...

Love, Leora

Hi Leora,

You won't find a multivite with sufficient porassium or magnesium. I'm afraid you'll need to take them separately.

Magnesium is best taken in combination with calcium in 2cal:1mag ratio. Adults need 1000:500 (post menopausal women 1500:750).

Potassium can be taken either by taking tablets, or just by switching to a potassium salt such as Nu Salt or No Salt (just sprinkle on your food, as with normal salt).

The Drs Eades (authors of Protein Power) suggest that early in low carbing an extra 400mg daily is a good idea.
If you take the tablets, they should be taken in divided doses, and with food, as they may otherwise cause stomach irritation.

Are you drinking plenty of water? You will especially need plenty while taking potassium.

One more thing: People who are taking tablets for high blood pressure or fluid tablets should not take potassium supplements without first checking with their pharmacist.

Cheers.

Rosebud

Thank you so much!

I went out today and purchased magnesium and potassium tablets - the magnesium came already with calcium so that worked out well.

Love, Leora

I felt like that for a few days too....I just ate more and drank water...it soon went.

I too was feeling weak during my exercise. Seemes to take about ten minutes to "get into" it.. I will ry to get Potassium and Mag this weekednd.. Thanks Guys.