Today is the start of Phase one, week 2.

I'm down 3 lbs - feeling discouraged but on the site today reminding myself of the philosophy and workings of the program to stay on track.

My cravings are not an issue and I spend a great deal of my time feeling really really full, but I have had a booming headache for 4 days, and I've been exhausted. Has anyone experienced these symptoms? I'm wondering if I am fighting something, or if it is simply my body in no sugar shock?

In addition, I'm , um, a bit, backed up...if you will. I am one who usually needs psyllium fibre bran cereal for breakfast and now that I don't have that Im not seeing my washroom as much. I drink loads of water and I do eat lots of raw veggies. Any suggestions? My initial thought is maybe too much dairy/meat...which I don't usually eat daily, but do now.

Anyway - you gals have a great resource here and I'm loving it. I'd love to hear your experience on this before I become an advil addict!

Beans will help with both issues. I'd suggest starting with 1/2 cup with one meal. Are you getting enough dairy? Those two things make a big difference with the headaches. Congratulations on completing a successful week 1!

Hang in there, Melanie, it will get better. Congratulations on your 4 lb loss for your first week, and I bet you'll see another nice loss at the end of Phase 1.
Make sure you are drinking a lot of fluids, especially water, to help keep things moving along, and eat lots of beans. They are full of fiber, which should help your problem along, too.

You are experiencing the South Beach Flu. It is your body withdrawing from the sugar. Search this forum and you'll find lots of info on it. It usually passes after day 5 or so.

Re: being "backed up," I have 3 words for you: sugar free metamucil (or generic equivalent). I couldn't live without it.

Melanie!

I'd say don't be discouraged and instead recognize that your headaches and exhaustion are probably very directly related to detoxing in your body, which is what P1 is all about. It does get bette.r

Best wishes!

on completing week one of your phase one plus your three lbs gone. You are doing just fine and need to keep it up. I agree that your body is probably reacting to not eating food porn and it should pass soon. Most of us experienced the headaches and "flu" like symptoms during phase one. Just hang in there and you'll soon be past that.

Also for the "backed up" feeling. I'm also one who almost always has some form of that, and lately, I've found that a cup of hot lemon water in the morning really "gets things moving."

Congrats on your loss!

Thanks gals! I have been avoiding beans and will definitely add some into today's regiment. You know...the one thing is, the "southbeach flu" does show me how reliant I am carbs and how much I need to do this phase! It motivates me to keep going 'cause I really don't want to go through this again!t

"Food Porn". Yes indeed. Last night I was chatting with a friend talking about your ultimate afternoon in the kitchen...and it involved those cadbury mini eggs and cookie dough - what fun that would be! After saying that (and having a good laugh) I realized that I DO need the southbeach kindo' help

Ok - well...let's see what week #2 brings! I'm hoping for a great big loss and to feel better I'll try the metamucil, beans and some dairy....let their be flushes in my future!

Amazing progress by the way! Y'all have done amazing.

Thanks!

Hey Mel I didn't have the flu that is described when you search it on this forum (no headaches, etc). I felt weak (literally could not NOT lay down), my stomach really hurt, I was stopped up...
I realized it was the influx of fiber! So I drank a glass of water like every half hour and felt so much better.
We can do this, girl!

Yep, you're withdrawling! Take a couple Tylenol see if that helps with the headaches. You seem to be doing everything right so congrats on the 3lbs. Graduate Phase 1 with flying colors. Cheering you on!

Must be in the midst of some serious detoxing. My headache was so bad this morning I threw up my iced coffee...yuck. 100% OP still, might have had to much salt since then if that is possible and starting with my leek soup and veggies. So glad to know I am not in this alone.

nope @ fitnessclassic...you are not!

So, the symptoms were a solid 5 days. They have let up, except for the exhaustion, but mind you, i have a 2 year old who doesn't sleep, so it could be just that.

Thanks for the advice. I've added beans in, lots of water, and will get some metamucil and more lemons on my next trekk to the store. I have to say, I am NOT hungry on this plan...and I think if I "expel"...I'll probably be down 2 more pounds! (ok, gross, but true)

YeahYeah, yup...we can do it. Are you working out? I was, but I stopped because of the nasty headache business.

Melanie, hang in there girl! I hate that feeling of being backed up. When I experience that issue I drink a glass of "Smooth Move" tea it really helps me out, I know if we eat what we're supposed fiber wise we shouldn't need it but sometimes you just can't wait for the fiber to kick in.