Day 5 no energy and stomach cramps

(Rosaleen Young) #1

I just started a lower carb diet, not tracking it but I didn’t think carb intake low enough to go into ketosis but I’m at the end of day 5 today and since day 4 yesterday I have felt EXHAUSTED even though I slept really well. Also getting stomach cramps. I exercise quite a lot and managed decent gym sessions day 1, 2 and 3, but day 4 and 5 I’ve had absolutely no energy to work out. Please say this passes soon…

(Michael - When reality fails to meet expectations, the problem is not reality.) #2

If you have not been tracking carbs, and you think not low enough to reach ketosis, then it sounds like you’re not eating enough. Have you reduced overall calories as well? Physical exercise will exacerbate your hunger and make you feel weak if you’re not eating enough while still burning mostly carbs/glucose.

Assuming you are not in ketosis, then no this will not pass soon, it will linger until you either eat more or substitute fat to replace the carbs down to sub-20 grams per day to get into ketosis. Once in ketosis the hunger will diminish but the weakness/exhaustion may continue. To deal with that you will have to up your electrolyte intake. That discomfort will pass relatively soon if you get enough electrolytes.

This doesn’t happen automagically. You have to take command.:face_with_raised_eyebrow:

(Kelly Silverman) #3

Are you familiar with Keto flu?
If not look up Keto flu on YouTube by Dr Berg or Ken Berry… That should help you.

(Rosaleen Young) #4

Ive not really been feeling hungry, and overall calories I would say haven’t reduced much as eating more fat. It’s difficult for me to track at the moment as I work offshore and meals are all provided so I don’t always know how food has been prepared. When I am home I will be tracking properly. I will look at adding electrolytes too. Thank you :blush:

(Susan) #5

Welcome to the forum, Rosaleen =).

I guess it is hard to really keep track atm for you; since you are not cooking the meals, but once you are home:

Try to aim for 20grams of carbs or less, NO sugar, get enough proteins and healthy fats, and Plenty of water and Electrolytes. Try to increase your salt right now if you are able to as well, because you are probably suffering an electrolyte shortage, which can cause cramping and feeling rotten.

We can help you more when you are back home, since you have limited controls on the foods right now. Just avoid pasta, breads, potatoes, rice, and other things that you know are high carb. When you get home you can be more specific and plan ahead for your next trip offshore! Right now, try to eat a lot of protein for your meals, until you can organize better, that will help, and add butter and other healthy fats, like cream to coffee or tea if you can =).