Hello friends, I have been struggling with PCOS for two years… after a lot of attempts and trying everything I struggled with weight loss. I started at 86kgs dropped 10kgs fast and then for 2 years was on and off with gymming and dieting and stalled at 76kgs… after starting keto have lost 5 khs and weight is starting to move. But I feel like crap! Its not sustainable I m seeing results but I dont know how far I can go. Its not realistic for me to do this for a lifetime.
I dont know what to do? I want to lose another 20kgs and be in my ideal weight… but this diet is so strict being extremely low carb I have no energy I am cranky and depressed. I keep going off it and I feel Im not fat adapted yet. I have seen so many people swearing by it who are on PCOS… it works wonders from them and it works with people who have insulim resistance.
I really dont want to be a loser and quit… someone please help me solve this spuld I stick to keto and be depressed or find a way of healthy eating and sustain it.? Thanks in advance
Cannot stick to KETO but I have PCOS
Feeling like crap is typical in the beginning of keto, and once that passes, people usually feel fantastic. Please look up “keto flu” on here. Usually it’s a fairly simple solution (making sure you get enough salt, basically) but in any case you’ll see lots of ideas to help you over this hump. Also it’s worth doing a search for “PCOS” since there are lots of women on here who have struggled with it, and you’ll get some more specific support and ideas.
Good luck! don’t stop yet!!
Low energy and cranky is either an electrolyte deficiency, which some people need to increase on this diet. Or it can be a case where you have cut out the carbs but are not eating enough fatty foods, so you have an energy crisis going on.
You need to eat as much good fatty food as it takes to satiate you for the day, use plenty of salt, maybe more than you think you need, and also consider magnesium and potassium.
I actually think bacon is an awesome starter food, it’s full of fat and has tons of salt as well.
You shouldn’t be feeling like crap on keto, that’s a sign something is going wrong.
It’s the adaptation phase you’re going through. You have to get past that point and all will start to get better. I know it’s difficult right now and you’re wondering why you should stick with something that’s causing so many issues, but if you can stick it out, I think you will be very happy with the benefits you will gain.
I disagree. This is extremely common in the adaptation phase. The body depletes most of its glycogen within a few days if you stick to under 20g carbs. That’s when you start to produce ketones, but the body doesn’t know how to efficiently use them yet. That’s the adaptation phase which can take 6-8 weeks in average. During this time, it’s not unusual to have very low energy. I liken it to a gas tank with a hole in it. You’re fueling up, but you still can’t get as far. Electrolytes will help, but they don’t fuel the body. Some people are more prone to this, and unfortunately they just have to power through.
It shouldn’t take the whole 6-8 weeks to start feeling better though. It’s a slow ramp up, not on on/off switch. And the benefits once you get there far outweigh the discomfort one experienced during the transition, imo.
Thanks a lot… how do i get in more electrolytes… i am from india and every electrolyte powder comes with dextrose in it… i have been in this two months already how long will it take to become fat adapted and feel great?
If you keep going off of keto then restarting, you are not yet fat adapted. It takes 4-6 weeks (sometimes longer) of strict keto to become fully fat adapted. Total carbs below 20 grams, protein moderate, usually 50-75 grams for women, and fat to satiety but should ideally be no less than 1:1 with protein, in other words, if you eat 50 grams of protein, then you should be having no less than 100 grams of fat.
You can increase your electrolytes by adding more salt to everything. I personally put about 1/8 - 1/4 tsp directly on my tongue for a minute or 2 before washing it down with water several times per day. I will attach a recipe for home made keto aid and you can see if you can get all the ingredients.
You can do this. There are so many food options out there that don’t include sugar, bread, grains, etc. Keep it really simple until you are fat adapted. You will feel so much better once you are fat adapted.
6-8 weeks is the average, but it took me 9 of strict Keto.
Do you know if you’ve been in ketosis this whole time?
It will take even longer if you don’t stay below carb limits.
Do a search here for “ketoaide” for an easy, inexpensive way to make your own electrolyte drink. For some reason I can’t link it for you right now. See if you can get those ingredients. You only need the two things.
Yeah I did those urine strips thing it showed moderate ketosis but have read its not reliable… was planning to take a blood test. I am sure I am not fat adapted coz i feel like binging on chips when I see a packet and havent been following strict keto. Once had a bout of diarrhoea with it had some high carbs. Its so strict I dont know how ppl do it?!
I used to think Keto was strict too, but if you really do it for a while, the cravings for carby foods goes way down and then it doesn’t seem strict at all.
I don’t think you are fat adapted yet, even if you have been in ketosis. The strips are decent for a simple yes/no answer to whether you’re in ketosis or not. They aren’t good at telling the level, but that’s not that important anyway.
Yes exactly I am not fat adapted yet… there is some inch loss and have lost few pounds… jus hoping to feel fantastic soon. Was planning on giving up but will give this an honest dedicated attempt to see its benefits! Thank u so much! This forum really helps! So glad I joined it 