This tread has really started to morph into something other than it's original intent. I think the bottom line is we all have to do with what we are comfortable with. I firmly believe that ketosis is safe long term, and thankfully my medical doctor agrees. It was her who first recommended this diet to me as she does to any of her overweight patients (she has no stake in IP as my clinic is at another M.D.s office). Bottom line, we do what we feel comfortable with. I feel that we are following a way of eating that our bodies were designed to handle (low carb, higher protein). I wish for all of us to find what we are ultimately looking for in health even though our journeys might be different.

My office gave me a packet and it lists a lot of potential side effects. I did not want to read it. Also, my coach spent a lot of time going into a lot of the possible side effects. She went through the program and had them all including hair loss.

It was also explained to me that the constipation could be due to not taking in a lot of fiber like I used to. I had more trouble with the constipation when I was eating cooked/roasted veggies. I had less issues when I ate more salad and raw veggies.

Regarding the general discussion in this thread:
Everything has side effects. My weight and my lifestyle were definitely not placing me on a healthy track. I went into this diet not thinking it was healthy and s/w concerned about possible effects. Logically it did not make sense to me to eat such an unbalanced diet. And I don't like a lot of artificial ingredients. But, I had to make a decision and ultimately I decided that for a few months I could and probably should do this to make some changes I was simply unable to do myself.

I had to think about where I would be in 6 months after starting this diet and where I was 6 months ago which is where I would be 6 months from now without it (probably worse because of some newer health issues). I know myself. I would try some sort of healthy diet option and in a month be back to my normal eating. I do this every year, at least once. In the first few days of starting this diet, "I Got IT" It started to make sense. This is the way many were suggesting to eat for a long time. Our plate should reflect lean protein and a large amt of veggies. I wasn't doing that. Just couldn't. I have probably eaten more veggies in my 2 plus weeks on this diet than I had eaten in 2011.

So, it's a balancing act. If I start to notice ill effects, I may not continue. I don't want to get sick but already there are so many improved symtoms that have nothing to do with inches or pounds and I am so thankful to feel just a little more like me. Sorry I went on and on. Very interesting thread. Interesting topics.

Not having restrictives this week is killing me so far. I've had a headache all day, can't seem to shake it, took pills already.

Will eating less really help me in the long run. I have to wonder. Just don't like how I feel today.

Regarding side effects of the diet, my coach never explained any of this to me except that I might become more fertile lol.
She has not recommended the IP pills for constipation but rather told me about some things I can take from the health food store. I really like that about her. She is not **** bent on selling IP products but knows we can find alternatives that are cheaper.

Wuv has experimented on restricteds no restricteds and saw no difference in loss.

If your restricted choice makes you happier, feel better and thus you are more likely to stick op then go back to eating your restricteds! Even if it made a small difference and it took a little longer to get to goal, at least you would be more satisfied.