I am in intervention for Protein Power, 4th day. I have done this before, but this time I can't believe how hard it is. I feel awful. Fatigue, headaches, muscle aches . . . like I want to lay down, but then I feel like I'm racing inside, too. It's like my body just HATES this! I am taking Pentabosol, all the right supplements, and drinking tons of water. From an advisor I need to know how much longer this will last and when I can expect to feel better. When I am at this stage, it is so tempting to think this plan just doesn't work for me . . . but I really want to lose this weight, and I remember feeling so much better when I low-carbed before ( I only lost 10 pounds, but felt good!). Any advice would be appreciated. I am hanging by a thread! Thanks.

Hello sparky. I can sure hear your pain. I'm on Atkins but have read and think highly of the PPP book.

If you were doing Atkins Induction, I'd suggest that you add some carbs to make the transition easier for a few days. The yuck feelings usually are gone by Day 6 or 7. Have you thought that maybe you have the flu or the Norwalk virus? You CAN get sick while LCing.

Perhaps you could go to the higher level for a few days (55 grams) and then go back down to the Intervention (30 grams of carbs?) Then the transition will be easier. Since people can still lose successfully on the 55 gram level, you won't be setting yourself back. And if you are feeling better and suffering less, you are MUCH more likely to stick with the plan.

So be easy on yourself and have a few more of the veggie and salad carbs. Be sure you are getting the MINIMUM Protein amounts and good fats.

all the best.

tofi - thank you! I am thinking I am going to put raw fruit in the mix. I don't need to lose rapidly - I am really fine to lose steadily. I was just doing strict protein and a few veggies. I would rather increase my carbs and make it for the long haul than be so miserable and not last. I started and stopped in January because it just seemed too hard. But I do live on a lot of carbs normally, so I'd expect my body to be in shock to some degree. If I know I'm going to be better in a couple of days, I can hang in!! If I'm not better in a couple of days, I'm not sure what I'll do!

b. sparky, a few veggies is not Protein Power! There are loads of vegetables you can eat that fall into PP's "unlimited" range, then you add 30 grams of other vegetables and small portions of fruit if you want. It's all laid out in the Effective Carbohydrate tables.

I felt like poo when I started too and I was an unbelievable sugar junkie. The energy that came from nowhere after detox was enough to make me think that I was doing the right thing. Years later, I haven't looked back.

Karen

Karen - how long have you been low-carbing? I have done this successfully before, but seem to only last two weeks before I fall again . . . in spite of the fact that I felt better and looked better. I want to deal with the reasons why I fell the last time, and was wondering about that. Maybe I use food for comfort, and missed that . . . so I want to change what I use for comfort. It seems boring after a while for food to only be a fuel when you are used to it being enjoyable. Yes, I know that the health benefits are way up there and the long term benefits far out weigh short term pleasure . . . but anything you did to help you change your thinking about missing the old way of eating would be appreciated. I really, really want to succeed this time! Not fall of the wagon for several months before I get so depressed I try again!

For 3 1/2 glorious years!



But food is enjoyable! It's one of my greatest pleasures and in fact its my profession and passion. If I'm reading you right, it sounds like you're eating out of compulsion and addiction. Imagine eating when you're hungry and really enjoying it instead of being driven by some force within yourself to eat for different reasons. Now that's freedom to enjoy eating!

Here's an excellent thread to give you something to think about:

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthre...ht=selfsabotage

I gotta go, but I'll get back with more threads to ponder...

Karen