Low Carb Flu

The low carb lifestyle is hard. But it's hardest when you're starting. Not only is there all that psychological addiction, socialtal pressure, habit and just darn tasty food to fight. There is the dreaded low carb flu. A day, two days, a week of feeling like crap. Feeling dumb, maybe achey or just really off. Not everyone gets it, but most people who do report feeling less able to think, being less smart. Personally, it hits me like a real case of the flu. I get achey, cranky, dumb. Generally I feel worthless and I'm miserable to be around. It lasts usually about 4 days then I'm good, I get all fat adapted and the body is happier, the mind clearer. So what's my personal recipe for dealing with it? Step one, let go of progress for the week. I let myself be slow on my runs, I don't worry that the scale and measurements aren't changing, I try to forgive my lack of productivity at work a bit. The second week will rock, I just have to stick it out and get there. Step two. What do I do about the awful cravings and headaches. Two things eat protein and fat whenever the cravings hit. Nuts are an awesome go to here as are some veggies slathered in grass fed ghee or some tuna with paleo mayo. I hit those snacks whenever I need to. I have a list of safe stuff and have a ton of it on hand. I will need it. Secondly, I'm not drinking enough water. Like ever. And for some reason when I go low carb I drink even less and wind up more dehydrated, so half the time my headaches are from that. Or from cutting back my caffeine too much since I'm not guzzling down diet sodas or cream laden coffees. So that's my personal tool kit. Let go, hit the protein and healthy fat, and water it up!