High protein as transitional phase?

#1

Before I officially started a ketogenic plan on June 23rd, I spent 3 weeks transitioning in. I found it very, very helpful to drastically increase my protein, drastically cut carbs, and then gradually replace the protein with fat until my protein was down to 85 grams.

I’m honestly not sure I could have gotten through any other way, because it helped me avoid most of the negative glucose withdrawal symptoms I had when I tried in the past. Even though the protein was being converted to glucose, it felt nothing like the effects of eating carbs.

I’m wondering if anyone else has had this experience and whether it’s worth recommending to people who can’t get past the first 4 days.

(Adam Foard) #2

We all have dreams/nightmares about bread, deserts, and such the first time we switch over to ketosis.

However, most of the worst side effects have been shown to be from electrolyte deficiency as a result of the lower insulin levels and shedding more salts.

Have you tried making some keto-aid?

#3

I definitely started out eating more protein because I had no idea how to fill a meal 70-80% with fat. I did it out of ignorance, but I think your approach would have worked great for me! I need more protein than most women my size. Im very active, and it’s not only that but somehow fat doesn’t satiate me like protein and carbs do. Since the carbs are out, protein it is. I don’t want a “high protein diet” because of the health repercussions, and the lack of ketones which I need for anti-inflammatory results. But I love protein and love this idea as a transitional strategy

(Adam Foard) #4

Hey, if it works for you, roll with it.

I’ve had a lot of issues with not feeling full too. I’m working on learning to listen to my body better. Also the electrolyte deficiency can drive feelings of intense hunger as well. I will have feelings like I want to eat everything in sight if I’m low on salt.

(LeeAnn Brooks) #5

Seems like it would take longer to become fat adapted. I think I’d rather deal with the Keto flu and get the process over as quickly as possible, but that’s just me.

(Mike W.) #6

How did you arrive at 85g protein? That sounds quite high.

(less is more, more or less) #7

In hind-site, I had two things going on: relatively high protein macros, and I started intermittent fasting before I went LCHF. I’ve never felt “keto flu” and I maintain a vigorous workout habit. So, perhaps? Or n=2?

That said, I’d stick with Dr. Westman’s guidance on starting LCHF.

(Jane) #8

That is essentially what I did, but not on purpose…

I knew I had to cut the carbs so I went straight Atkins because that is all I knew. It is very high protein and in the past I stalled out (knew nothing about protein causing an insulin response) and got sick of the protein and quit.

I did that for maybe 6 weeks until I discovered this forum and started reading like crazy.

I didn’t have any keto-flu and became fat adapted about the time I switched to keto because I kept forgetting to eat lunch!

I am glad I found this place because keto is sustainable - Atkins is not.

So… my n=1 says your method would work for others also since it worked for me.

#9

It really helped me because it split up 2 different parts of the glucose withdrawal. There’s the carb/sugar craving part that goes away once the carbs go away, and then there’s the second stage of the “flu” where energy is down and insulin is still somewhat elevated and water is being eliminated.

But I can tell I’m still eating too much protein, or at least the wrong kinds of protein. I crave a protein whey shake every night, and I read in Fung’s book that whey protein creates a really strong insulin response. So my sugar is low but my insulin is uneven. Frustrating. Last week, I had 3 consecutive days where I was totally cruising and now I’m back in cranky land.

Thanks for sharing your experience! These days do you eat 2 meals a day?

(Jane) #10

Mostly - lunch and dinner. Just not hungry when I wake up.

I am just the opposite - not a sweet tooth in my body. I also was drinking whey shakes early on but I bought some salty chicken soup mix because I prefer savory to sweet.

I saw a post about some keto ice cream that might be a good substitute for you - just don’t remember which thread I saw it on.