Hi all,

Just finished induction and am down 16 lbs. I am feeling great I have a couple of observations and questions on going forward.

I actually like drinking water and really feel "dry" if I don't get my 100 ounces a day.

I crave peanut butter.. so I have two teaspoons a day.

One negative is I now have pronounced black circles under my eyes. Any thoughts. I do take a multi vitamin everyday.

Severe leg cramps at night before a scale noticable weight loss.

Questions:

I really miss sweet potatoes. I know they are high carb. I was thinking once a week. Agree?

What kinds of fruit is everyone eating, and how many times a week.

I am up to 28 miles a week jogging. Should I increase my carbs a little more than normal as not to burn my musccle for fuel.

Thanks

Sounds like you're doing great. First thing to do after induction is add in another serving of LC verggie every day.

As far as what to add in, how often and when, read How To Follow Phase II

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I really miss sweet potatoes. I know they are high carb. I was thinking once a week. Agree? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Maybe, only because of the amount of running you do. Have you tried pumpkin? You might find you like it just as much and it's much lower carb.

As for the leg cramps, potassium helps me. 1/2 cup of cooked spinach will give you as much potassium as 4 bananas.
If you don't like spinach, try it creamed with cheddar cheese and heavy cream. mmmmmm

HTH



Always eat your veggies first!
LCE member since March 2002

Thanks HTH for the link to phase two Atkins. Just what I needed.

I am eating spinach at least 3X a week with cheddar, it is really delicious.

I will give pumpkin a shot. I remember once before LC days I ate sweet potatoe pie instead of pumpkin and couldn't tell the difference.

I am hoping the leg cramps go away after increasing my carbs.

If the leg cramps don't improve, please see your doctor.

About the dark circles, I seem to remember that it's a mineral thing for some people -assuming that you're getting enough sleep. I can't remember the mineral though. I think manganese or magnesium?



Always eat your veggies first!
LCE member since March 2002

Welcome aboard, Mr.! Brightlady has given you excellent advice on each question.

I would like to address the peanut butter craving. I have to watch peanuts AND peanut butter, both we cause intense cravings. In the beginning those cravings could and sometimes would lead me of course into eating other foods not on plan. I would advise you to try and omit the PB for a while. Later on and after induction, add a small bite into your program and monitor your cravings. Make sure you are using an all natural peanut butter, those popular brands are full of sugar and trans-fats because they are hydrogenated. I buy Smucker's All Natural, or get natural at Trader Joe's or any health food store (HFS).

HTH, and best wishes. Stop by often and share your success!

Take care~
Susan

LCE Member since 01/02

Mr. LH,
My father and I get leg cramps regularly. We drink water with quinine in it. You get it where they sell water for mixed drinks, etc. They sell it in the diet form. I started having the leg cramps shortly into Induction and they disappeared a day or 2 later. This advice was given to my father while on a cruise by a real medical doctor. Anyway, maybe it will work for you! It is not medicine, which is good. Good luck and let me know how you are doing.

~Jan
247/234/130ish?

"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence I can reach for, perfection is God's business." - Michael J. Fox

You probably need to get more potassium to keep your electrolytes balanced. The bags under the eyes is also a common indication of dehydration. I don't know whether you need more water or less -- a doctor can tell you that.

**************
"Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then on the way out, slam the door."

Just wanted to say hi and good job on the 2 week induction. BTW, I love your screen name. Too funny!

180pg/170/145/140
Size 12/8/? 5'7"

Lack of potassium is definitely the reason for the leg cramps - especially since you are running so much.

I'm in Toronto - and here we can get over-the-counter potassium supplements. The prescribed version are called Micro K, but the pharmacist also has over-the-counter versions that don't require a prescription. I used to take 3 at breakfast and 3 at lunch, and I was running 3-5 miles, 4-6 times a week. I never experienced any leg cramps at all. My carb intake was always between 20-60g.

If you find it difficult to supplement naturally through your food, this is an option you will want to look into.

Good luck!

Niki
162/175/190
Preggers since 11/10/03
Due 8/16/04
LCing since 10/21/03