Doing this with no crackers :-(

[Berry]

Hi Everyone

I started my programme on Monday this week (day 3 now). Yesterday was a disaster - I felt REALLY tired all day long. But today is better (thank goodness).

I just had an appointment with a specialist who told me that the constant pain that I have is due to an auto-immune illness and that I'm not allowed any sugar or carbs anymore - so no crackers!!!

I know crackers are optional, but is there anyone who actually follows the programme without carbs?

It would definitely NOT have been my choice if it wasn't doctor's orders.

Does it impact your energy levels, you think?

PLEASE help! I had a quick look and I can't see anyone who actually do the programme without carbs. Of course it means no carbs during and after refeed as well for me. It feels a bit overwhelming!

[Ciors]

firstly, listen to your specialist - no crispbread! Secondly, contact your consultant and let them know about this. In the first two weeks we're supposed to eat all crispbread and fruit allowances - obviously that's not going to happen for you, they need to know. It is doable to get through the day without the crispbread - it's quite amazing how quickly your body get used to it all.

I like to read Sarah Wilson's I Quit Sugar blog, and she suffers from autoimmune illness as well - she has great ideas on how to survive.

Good luck with it all - you'll probably feel a bit yuck in the first week as you detox too which may be the tiredness your feeling- make sure you drink the right amount of water (2L)

[mcbell]

Are you still allowed your fruit? Just no processed carbs? It is a toughie! I am sure you can survive without them in terms of food/hunger, but I often use my crackers and fruit as snacks to break up the day (rather than eating them due to hunger).

Hopefully your consultant might have an idea for a substitute if possible? maybe an extra serving of fruit instead?

Good luck!

[Berry]

Thanks for the good advice Ciors. I'll let my consultant know. I first had plans to try and google how much more veggies one can eat instead of crispbreads, but soon realised that it would mean major deviation if I start making my own calculations and replacements.

I'll definitely look into Sarah Wilson's I Quit Sugar blog. Thanks for the great tips and support - REALLY appreciate it.

Mcbell - apparently I can eat "in season' fruit, but high carb fruit like banana will remain off limits. Interestingly enough they say that fruit out of season get a higher carb count, so I can test it with something I buy at the chemist (think it is iodine?). Forgot what it is now. If you put a drop on the fruit and it turns black, the carb content is too high.

The dr says that some patients are very sensitive to carbs in fruits (out of season), and others not so much. I'll ask the consultant about the extra fruit and I'm holding thumbs that she says it is okay. Interesting stuff, but I'd rather it wasn't my interesting stuff.

[mcbell]

Fair enough - sounds like a tough problem to have. I hope you find an easy solution - that test with the iodine to test for carbs sounds very interesting!

Best of luck! Holding thumbs for you (since Lil_Doll posted a pic of it in my diary, so now I know what that looks like)!

[lil_doll]

Ooh pretty tough problem there!

I am sure there are some people who carry on without the crackers... and they are optional (after 10 days)... All the best, Berry!!!

Ask your clinic for advice

[Relles]

Hi Berry, sorry to hear about the news from your specialist. That makes things pretty hard. Did he suggest you go completely cold turkey on everything?
I just wonder because going from our pre Cohens normal eating down to x amount of crisp read is a pretty radical change regardless.
And hey, I'm definitely not a Specialist but maybe the diet cut down to Cohens would work? You could then cut them out completely/wean off after the ten days.
Here I am rationalising on your behalf.. You know what is best for you and be advised by your specialist.
Good luck.