Suddenly not feeling too wonderful

[momwith5kids]

I was doing great my first week. I'm still losing at a steady clip, but something is wrong. the past 2 days I'm having a hard time forcing myself to eat. The thought of food is simply making me sick to my stomach. Then, the muscle cramps started. And steadily are getting worse. I get dizzy spells, feel lightheaded, lethargic, and my mind is full of sludge. I can barely function during the day. Is this something I can fix? I feel so awful and I cannot think it's anything but my change in diet. Maybe I lost too much too quickly? Last time on Atkins I lost 45 pound in 6 weeks but shortly after half of my hair fell out due to the stress that it had on my body. Is any of this related? Any help is appreciated. If I don't find a way to get better I can't imagine continuing. I have to be able to function. especially when chasing 5 kids. thank you all!

[HulaMom]

Re: Suddenly not feeling too wonderful

Aloha,
Here's what I would guess. You are losing weight rapidly, burning fat for energy. Stored in those fat cells are toxins that you have built up over time. You are burning those and releasing them. This is going to give you the feelings you described.
If you are going through a major whoosh, you MUST drink water to flush the toxins. Exercise will also help. It should give you a good feeling to know that you are ELIMINATING the toxins from your body.
I would also recommend that you review Dr. A's recommendations for supplements.

Don't give up. This is going just as you should hope!
Hula

[liv]

Re: Suddenly not feeling too wonderful

There is something called "induction flu" that most of us experience once we transit to eating low carb. It usually do not last very long - a couple of days. Once you are over it, it would be smooth sailing. It sounds to me like inductions flu.

But yes drink plenty of water and take your supplements. If you are suffering from cramps you may want to look into potassium or calcium supplements.

[IndyArmyVet]

Re: Suddenly not feeling too wonderful

sure you're not sick?

I'm in induction as well, but I've got two boys at home today who pretty much fit what you described, and the nurse from school called saying she was feeling the same way.

[TheDogAteMyName]

Re: Suddenly not feeling too wonderful

You're almost 10 days in. If you're losing weight too rapidly move to OWL as soon as you reach day 14. I agree with the other posters - you could actually be ill or it could be the induction flu. The induction flu lasts only a few days and it's at the start of induction for me. I'm guessing you are actually sick with something.

[Robin's Nest]

Re: Suddenly not feeling too wonderful

I am not a doctor, but it sounds like dehydration. Too much water was lost and not replaced. Are you drinking the water as suggested in the book or by moderators? When I had shingles, my doctor strongly suggested to have water with electrolyes in it. Maybe having one a day will not hurt. But seriously, and I think all would agree.. see your doctor if it continues. Robin

P.S. I have worked in a Hospital in NYC for the last 26 years...

[D14965]

Re: Suddenly not feeling too wonderful

See if you can get hold of some potassium supplements. I had the same symptoms in my second week and once i added some potassium i felt much better. You can also add potassium to your diet by using LITE SALT where potassium replaces the sodium. Parsley is also a good source of potassium.
we drink so much water that a lot of minerals and trace elements are flushed from our bodies and these need to b e replaced. you must also take a multivitamin daily!
goodluck

[momwith5kids]

Re: Suddenly not feeling too wonderful

Thank you all for the advice! We'll, I'm guessing it was a vitamin issue. I know it isn't water as I've made sure to drink at least 100 oz a day. Problem I have had though is after this I was no longer on Atkins. Now, I didn't CHEAT per se, I just didn't eat! I was so busy and felt so lousy I literally ate a couple ounces of cheese and maybe some peperoni each day for a few days. I was losing, but I knew it was from starving my body basically, which is not Atkins. Then, I spent two days with the flu. Yuck. I have to say, I did cheat then. All I wanted was a bowl of chicken noodle for two days. I knew I should just do the broth, but I didn't want to anymore, I was too darn miserable. Now I'm doing a bit better and starting back up. Less than half a pound gained at this point, and ready to keep losing. This time with extra vitamins. Thanks you so much!