Everyday Systems

I'm struggling through day 6 today. I've felt rotten all week, tired, absolutely no energy. I've felt as if I'm ready to burst into tears at any time. I've had two migraines. I've been going back to bed each afternoon for a couple of hours and sleeping.

I've gone from loads of sugar daily to none. Could I be withdrawing? Has anyone else had a physically rough first week? If so, about how long might this last?

Although this is so hard, I do actually want to see it through.

Jean

Jean,

I am not a doctor, and don't play one on the internet.

With that said, I'm a bit sensitive to sugar and before No-S used to have to go on "sugar fasts" periodically when my consumption became excessive. For ME (and everyone is VERY different!), it took about three days to stop having sugar cravings.

However, what you are describing sounds pretty intense, and I would suggest that if it continues, you might see a doctor to see if there's something else going on, or if you have a serious sugar problem of some kind.

Also, be gentle with yourself in other ways while making this one HUGE change in your life. Get lots of sleep, eat good meals ("good" in terms of healthy AND tasty!), and treat yourself to hot baths, flowers, craft supplies, new books/music, or whatever non-food indulgence makes you smile.

Best wishes!

Thanks for your kind words of advice KCCC. This morning I got up quite early feeling back to my normal self. I've had quite a productive day. Whatever was going on those first 6 days seems to have left me. Fingers crossed I'm over the hard bit.

Jean

Uh, I would say it's not normal... but it sounds like the worst has passed, so maybe it's fine at this point. Hopefully it was just really bad habits protesting loudly, but please be careful. If you have ANY doubts, please don't trust random people on the internet, however well meaning we seem to be, but talk to your doctor.

Once thing I'd just like to clarify: the rule isn't "no sugar" but "no sweets." You can eat food with SOME sugar in it. You can even (and SHOULD even) eat fresh fruit, which has plenty of sugar. I really don't think you should get the shakes from sugar deprivation if you're eating fresh fruit. You can also have a glass of orange juice between meals if you're feeling lousy. That has PLENTY of sugar. I think any physical cravings should be knocked out by that.

Hope you continue to feel better and that our suggestions help,

Reinhard