I just re-read this whole thread. And the funny thing is, that years later, the primary lesson I have learned is that Regina was right all along.

The nutrients, starting with protein but including all nutrients vital, may be the bottom line. Of body-driven food intake, of health in general.

Lowcarbing but still being deplete in several amino acids (e.g. those you'd find in gelatin, not muscle meats), and staying very-VLC for long periods (at least for me and some--not all!--other women I see online) doesn't seem to be ideal.

Getting enough nutrients starting with AA's, while keeping insulin low and steady enough to allow the body to release fat, is what years more of reading has brought me back to concluding. Not that I didn't have the thought before, but I never saw it as the huge issue I do now.

PJ