Unexpected benefits of low carbing...

[ImSoOverIt]

A few of us are going through the dreaded carb flu as we speak, so I thought those who have done this before might like to post about how lc-ing has benefitted them, expected or otherwise! May also be useful to post weight loss success stories? Then in the darkest hours of nausea and brain fog we can see what we are doing this for!

So - I'll start. Having always been a very "windy" vegetarian, I have found that when I low carb I don't fart. Ever. Or get bloated. At all. My tummy is as flat in the evening as when I get up in the morning.

Ooh I forgot one. Every winter in used to get so many colds/viruses. At my worst I had one every 3 weeks or so.

This winter, I had a cold in October and since then, nothing. That is unheard of for me. I can't prove it's the low carbing, but it would surprise me if it wasn't that. It has been amazing!

No period pains. I used to have to take ibuprofen four-hourly from the first twinge, now my periods sneak up on me without warning.

No IBS symptoms any more. Ever.

Less nasal congestion and no asthma attacks. I think this is due to cutting down on milk.

More energy and more consistent energy levels even if I haven't eaten for a while.

Just thought I would add, I have found that even when I have cheated and had a glass of wine I have found it much easier to moderate my alcohol I take and don't get as carried away since I have been low-carbing...

Much more energy, feeling mentally 'brighter', not feeling exhausted and sleepy in the middle of the day....I could go on!
What LC has made me realize is how sensitive I am to sugar. There is diabetes in my family, so I'm hoping that this woe will stave off its occurrence in me.

Better skin – less redness across the bridge of my nose
Flatter stomach and no bloating/wind
Fewer mood swings

Makes me realise I should join BC again (currently maintain by avoiding bread and pasta but could do with shedding a stone or so...)

I only tried lc for around 3 weeks last year and found the reduced/no bloating and farting effect almost immediate.
Also noticed nicer clear skin too.

I'm limbering up to trying again (been reading the BC threads and everyone is doing brilliantly) I need to be prepared this time with meal plans etc... as I was forced to stop last time due to an issue with too much fat but it should at least be an easier transition this time as I've already dropped added sugar, I keep wheat bread products out of my diet for around 90% of the time and I don't really drink.
So I'll keep noting all your tips and copying the recipes until I'm ready to start :)

Where to start? I low-carbed since pretty much New Year, but recently had birthday parties etc. and struggled with eating healthily. Now back since to LC and hoping to get the known benefits to return soon.

1. No IBS/stomach pain/bloating/ farting /better and regular bowel movements
2. Better Skin
3. Regular period, every 28 days. When not LC maybe 3-4 periods a year.
4. Better sleep and 'mentally' more activ
5. NO depression/mood swings at all. As soon as I am back eating carbs I have horrible depressions, mood swings and I feel constantly tired.
6. More energy!
7. Just occasionally being hungry.

I am hoping to be able to stick to LC now again. I just had a horrible few weeks and couldn't be bothered.