I'm on week 2, this time, and not nearly as experienced as other posters, but maybe a better memory of week 1
and I've read some great tips on this site that I'm repeating.
1. Drink lots. Have a glass of water in every room. Sip water constantly. Fill up every jug and coffe pot you have with 2 - 3 litres of water and line them up in the kitchen. Know that you have to drink the lot each day. (and you can't use them to make your shakes). I taper off by about 5pm so I don't wake in the middle of the night. If you don't like water then use the allowed flavourings - see their website.
2. Use the first week to decide which flavours and packs work for you. What keeps you sustained the longest? I get too hungry too soon after one of the bars. Which ones do you like? If you hate something, don't get discouraged - this week is just research. I sweeten the shakes as they aren't sweet enough for me. If you hate them all, remember your tastebuds will change.
3. Remember the first week is the toughest. Mentally you are temporarily giving up food - and none of us would be here if our relationship with food was easy. Physically, your body is getting used to a different kind of fuel, your stomach is getting used to smaller amounts, and "down below" you are getting used to both those things. Remember it does get easier.
4. Keep regular. Use what works for you. Consider adding extra soluble fibre to each shake, or psyllium (sp?) husk in water. Don't let things build up for too long. It makes you feel rancid. Ask the chemist for suggestions about tablets. Personally, I take a couple of dulcoease every day.
5. Look at the success stories here and on their website and believe that you can do it too.
6. If you must use ketostix, do it first thing in the morning. If you are drinking enough water ketones probably won't show up later in the day.
7. Be prepared for nausea & headache (for me days 2 & 3) Know that this will pass. Take painkillers only with your shakes to protect your stomach lining.
8. Have a realistic goal for timescale. Remember that the first week or so you are losing water as well as fat. Don't get discouraged if you don't repeat the same figures later on.
9. Keep making lots of ice. Warm shakes are gross!
10. Space out the shakes. Maybe split them for 6 mini-meals. Save enough for late in the day. Better to be hungry during the day (when you can drink something instead and distract yourself) rather than laying awake and hungry in bed at night. The hunger is supposed to drop once your body gets used to it.
Good luck!
