Leg Cramps, I need help!!!

[Sweet n Sexy Kat]

I am a healthcare professional so I am aware of the nutritional challenges facing low carbers. I eat healthy/low fat meats, cheese, seeds & nuts, and a lot of veggies. I monitor my ketone output daily to make sure I am not burning too much, and I am also supplementing with a daily multi-vitamin. I don't do a lot of cardio but I do follow a quick paced weight lifting regimen. I thought I had all my basis covered, but I have started having leg cramps. They are not bad, but annoying and slightly painful. Am I missing something? Or any suggestions from the pros?

BTW let me brag, I am 2 months in and 20lbs down. My family is even starting to benefit. My children think I am trying to kill them, but they are getting used to meats & veggies all the time. In fact, we are eating more meals at the dining room table. Not only are we eating healthy, but we are bonding more. I LOVE IT!

[Skeptika23]

Re: Leg Cramps, I need help!!!

I'm also having some cramps; I make sure to get enough potassium as a supplement and eat more dietary potassium as much as I can.

I find it's less of an issue when I'm very well hydrated...

20 pounds down! That's awesome! Our family is also eating Atkins together and my DD, who hated veggies, is now *asking* for Broccoli for dinner.

[hopejoy]

Re: Leg Cramps, I need help!!!

Seconding the potassium recommendation. We tend to lose a lot of it on this diet for some reason. Congratulations on the 20lb loss! whoot whoot!

[fat4now]

Re: Leg Cramps, I need help!!!

Congrats on the 20 pounds! Stretching has helped me alot with cramps. Keep up the good work.

[quotidianlight]

Re: Leg Cramps, I need help!!!

I notice you are eating low fat cuts of meat. When I don't eat enough fat I'll stall, lose energy or get cramps. You might try some fattier cuts or adding extra fat to the meat. Remember, fat is our main fuel not protein.

[Ashan]

Re: Leg Cramps, I need help!!!

I also been getting bad foot cramps, would a mineral pell work

[michelle23464]

Re: Leg Cramps, I need help!!!

Ok. I have not seen this posted.. but I read that adding calcium to your diet.. IE take a pill will help. I had these aches as well and added a calcium supplement to my daily vitamins and I have not had leg cramps anymore.

This is also what the doctor tells those prego women. So try adding in extra calcium. I take a 600mg pill of calcium each morning. If I go say a weekend without it.. my legs start to ache again.

edited to add:

On page 148 of the DNDR book it says:

4. Leg Cramps
If you have leg cramps, it probably means you are losing too many electrolytes, which are full of minerals. Starting any weight loss program has a diuretic effect , which is one of the reasons it is so important to stay hydrated. Supplement with potassium, magnesium and calcium in addition to your multivitamin, and the cramps should disappear.