I don't really have an answer to your question, but I wanted to send some support your way I hope someone who knows will answer soon.

Happy Saturday mouseissue!

Thank you for the advice I've definitely increased my water intake.  I was told that celery can help, but it tastes salty to me so I wonder.

I also have been having what I consider mini successes.  I went to a restaurant today and confidently asked the waiter to hold all breads, potatoes and heavy, flour based sauces.  It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be and I enjoyed my meal very much.  With past dietary changes, I've often ended up a reclusive, manic nut job feeling as though I could't eat out or enjoy food. I totally made changing my eating habits into a punishment without even consciously realizing it. I would always be asking myself, "Why do I have to eat differently to lose weight? Why can't I just eat what I want and be happy?" Every dietary change felt like another separation.  Not only was I an abnormal size, but I had to eat abnormally to be "normal". I would eventually go back to eating terribly, often worse than before I started.  It was self sabotage at it's most effective. 

I'm still having a few cravings, but somehow this doesn't feel like a punishment.  I am genuinely enjoying this so far

You're a total inspiration! Congrats!

Thank you, mouseissue!

Hi everyone! I'm feeling a lot better.  I started carrying a thermos with water along with my bottle before I read the replies here. It really did help. I'm also not drinking anything else but with my meals.  I'm actually not drinking anything but water now that I'm thinking about it. I reaaaaaalllllly don't like sweeteners. 

I'm enjoying learning how to cook low carb. The possibilities seem endless right now and it's been fun cooking this way the past few days.  I've been experiencing serious hot flashes, but I'm not sure if that is attributed to the change in eating style or not.  Also, for the past two or three days, my cravings for sweets have dissipated.  I guess that's why I haven't been drinking anything but water

I haven't been weighing myself, so I'm not sure how things are going on the weight loss front, but I'm feeling pretty good and that means a lot more to me right now.

My daily menu the last few days consisted of romaine salad, cucumber salad, broccoli, various peppers, pork rinds, boiled eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, spaghetti squash, shrimp, ranch dressing, cheese stuffed meat balls, string cheese, sf jello.

I'm planning to make low carb chili relleno and grilled w/ santa fe style chicken tonight. Romaine/cucumber salad with parmesan on the side.

Hi everyone! I just wanted to say thanks again for all the advice and welcomes.  I had scrambled eggs, a pickle, and a chopped romaine/cucumber salad with steamed shrimp, a red onion slice, and 2 tbsp of 1 carb ranch.  I've only had water to drink today.  Grilled london broil and some type of veggie is on the menu for dinner tonight.  I'm still battling my own mind And struggling with not overeating.  I've also been fairly lethargic and what I think is hungry, but I'm trying to stick to small meals and snacks.  The "hunger" and fatigue feelings are what make me second guess, but if I feel fulfilled, I do fine.  I try to drink water when it gets bad.  It's only been three days, this is actually day three, but I weighed in at the doctor Monday and again today and I'm down 2 lbs. 

Pickles are funny -- you'll get a different carb count for every brand and website you see. I even have some sugar free ones that say zero calories, but one carb. Talk about confusing. Sometimes it's just easier to count them as one rather than try to keep track of all the brands.

Welcome to the message board, btw!

Thank you for the warm welcome Yeah the label reading will be a fun learning experience.  The pickles I have say they only contain sodium, but I guess things can vary and it's better to be safe than chubby

Thank you for the warm welcome Maddy!

I'm trying to stick with it and not become overwhelmed joagain I made "tacos" with left over meat and romaine lettuce for dinner. I had very bad headaches today for some reason. I'm wondering if it's sugar withdrawal.