Expect Crankiness On The Brentwood Diet

Feeling irritable, achy, fatigued a bit out of sorts and craving carbs? These PMS-like symptoms may be "carb withdrawal," a phenomenon which accompanies the first few days of the Brentwood Diet. As with other low-carb diets, the Brentwood Diet works because the body switches over from burning primarily carbohydrates for fuel to burning fat for fuel. This fat-burning state is called ketosis. 

Anyhow, drinking a lot of water and eating plenty of vegetables and protein helps. So, does just taking it easy. After a few days, you'll feel better. Your carb cravings will diminish and you won't be so hungry--which makes sticking to the Brentwood Diet easier. 

Of course, later crankiness can't be attributed to carb withdrawal. It's more psychological. Think about it: you've just given up your comfort foods. No longer will a bowl of ice cream soothe after a long commute, a break-up or anything else. Even seemingly innocent, low-fat, no-cholesterol pretzels are off limits. Also, eating mountains of vegetables and boneless, skinless white-meat chicken gets monotonous. The sensual pleasures of eating have been dulled. 

Since the Brentwood Diet is not just a diet, but a lifestyle change, this may seem like a life sentence. The truth is, you have to commit to these new, healthier eating habits even after you reach your goal weight. But, there's light at the end of the tunnel: phase 2. What's phase 2? Sticking to the Brentwood Diet 90% of the time. (More on that, later.) 

One way to stay on track and reduce crankiness is to reward yourself with non-food goodies. For example, for every ten pounds you lose, get a massage, or buy a CD, etc. Another way is to remind yourself that the Brentwood Diet is a gift of health to yourself and your family. You'll feel better and less achy pretty quickly. Losing weight and changing your lifestyle can stave off diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. Also, it might be able to keep you off medications with their added expenses and side effects. 

Basically, know that crankiness is part of the process. It will decrease. And if it doesn't, maybe the problem isn't with the Brentwood Diet.