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May I ask.

bookmite

Well-Known Member
Messages
222
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi, 10 days ago I started both monitoring and a LCHF diet.

Total carbs eaten 413g over the 10 days (below goal)

Total fat 388g (slightly over goal)

Total sugars 138g (well under goal)

Protein 583g ( well under goal)

I am 2060 calories under my weekly goal of 12400 ( 1200 per day )

My BG seems to be under control, mainly in the 5's with an occasional spike.

I did a dip test for ketones this morning and it came back negative. So I'm not getting into ketosis.

I have lost 5lbs in 10 days which is fabulous, and relieved that my BG is stable. BUT and its a big but for me, should I be feeling weak and shaky ? I'm not feeling hungry, don't feel like I'm ill, apart for my known conditions, I'm really perplexed.

I'm 5'-9 and 16st - 5lbs BMI about 34. With a history of cardio vascular disease an diverticulitis . Hence my concern.

May I ask those who follow a LCHF diet, is this normal to feel like this ?

Do my figures throw up something I'm doing wrong ? Or do I just carry on in the hope I get used to it, and do get that energised feeling...


I just want my energy and health back :-(

Thanks in advance
 
No, it is NOT normal to feel like that. One of the things I love about LCHF is that I need never be hungry. I'm never floppy, feeble or faint. I don't get cold hand and feet.

But then I don't count or restrict calories.

So, on the understanding that that is my perspective, I don't think you are eating enough.

Too little protein, and too little fat.
And have you cut down on salt too? That can make you feel wobbly too.

I suggest that you spend your calorie deficit on protein and fat.
Possibly even raise your calorie quota a little.

I think you will feel better very quickly.

Have a look at this nutritional calculator on the bloodsugar101 website.
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/33614154.php
 
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Hi @bookmite! Given that carbs and protein have about 4 calories per gram and fat has about 9 calories per gram, I calculate that you are eating about 750 to 800 calories per day. No wonder you're losing weight so fast and feeling shaky! Increase your fat and protein intake and you should do better.
 
Thank you both for your help, I will take on board what you say and check out that link Brunneria, I simply put my height and weight into myfitnesspal and it gave me the daily calorie intake, I did suspect it was low for my height, weight and age, but decided to give it a try.

Salt, no I have not cut that down, if anything increased it.

Appreciate your help Ta
 
According to that calculator, I should be on 110g of carb a day and it will take about 3 weeks to get into ketosis, and that's increasing my calories to 1550 a day, at my current rate I'm not feeding my brain with the necessaries.

I know where I made my mistakes, I assumed reading in threads that 40g of carbs a day was the marker for ketosis. It might be, but not on such a low calorific diet with my weight and height.

I shall punch in the recommendations made on the calculator and let you know how I get on.

Having said all this, I'm not feeling hungry, just weak and wobbly during the day.

Early days, trials and tribulations I'll get the hang of it, and if in 7 days I'm not feeling better I'll take all my data with me and go see my dn who will probably frown deeply
 
But the calculator lets you choose your carb level.
So you can go down to 20 g carbs, if you wanted. Or much, much, more.
It then adjusts the protein and fat proportionately...

Why do you think you 'should' be on any set amount of carbs? It is entirely up to you.
 
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The theory I'm try to get right, is to reduce my carbs to a level where my body uses reserves of stored fat (Ketosis ) I had read somewhere that 40g was the magic figure, and was foolishly thinking I would have a smooth transition into ketosis. So I have used 40g as a goal, some days it's been 70 - 80, but mainly down in the low 40's. Today has been the lowest at 21g, I was aiming at 5g carb per carb item on my plate. I am wary of increasing fats. Don't get me wrong I love them, but I have cardiovascular issues so have been so used to being careful with fats. I am just learning about healthy fats and low carbs.

I do fill up with mountains of green veg, instead of carbs, I think I just need to take more care of my protein intake and carry on, it is working in so much as my BG is stable.

Thanks again much appreciated
 
I had this. It stopped when my metformin was reduced.
 
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