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I could have written this post. While I am not technically narcoleptic, this whole year I haven't been able to do with out an afternoon nap (where nap == 3 hou

I could have written this post. While I am not technically narcoleptic, this whole year I haven't been able to do with out an afternoon nap (where nap == 3 hours, sometimes more). I've just started a ketogenic low calorie diet, and mentally I feel great. I did go to bed early yesterday but I haven't needed a nap in a few days. The mental part is a big deal for me. I haven't felt actually "awake" for a long time. Always this haze of sleepiness hanging over me. I am working with my doctor on the diet. I'm basically using a vegetable protein powder for most of my meals, supplementing with some eggs, greens, and lean meat (mostly turkey at this point). And a multivitamin. I've been successful before, but the hardest part is the first couple days of transitioning to ketosis. Many times I simply couldn't power through the initial cravings of the first few days. This time I did, and I'm going to ride this train as far as it will take me. The second hardest thing is after. I'm actually planning to stay on a keto diet after, with the appropriate amount of calories for maintaining rather than losing weight. And eating whole foods instead of the powder (although I imagine it will still be my breakfast because it's so convenient).

jlturner 10y ago
That's awesome that your doctor is working with you, most will just push drugs to treat the symptoms (usually modafinil or xyrem). I wish more doctors would suggest or support dietary change.
sfeng 10y ago
Obviously listen to your dr over me, but it's a common 'mistake' with keto to not up your fat enough. More fatty meat might actually work out better for you than turkey. Take a look at The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living for more info on the importance of keeping your fat to protein ratio high.
- DigitalJack 10y ago
  Very good point. I didn't mention it, but I am eating garlic stuffed olives for electrolytes and fat. edit: forgot to mention too that I make the protein shakes with almond milk which has a few grams of fat per serving as well.
  - jerf 10y ago
    May I ask exactly how the garlic is treated and exactly what olives you are eating?
    - DigitalJack 10y ago
      I like Mezzetta. Ingredients: Olives, water, garlic (cloves), sea salt, lactic acid, sodium bisulfite, and "natural garlic flavor" They are large green olives from Napa Valley. I'm not that knowledgable about olives so I can't say more than that.

jlturner 10y ago

That's awesome that your doctor is working with you, most will just push drugs to treat the symptoms (usually modafinil or xyrem). I wish more doctors would suggest or support dietary change.

sfeng 10y ago

Obviously listen to your dr over me, but it's a common 'mistake' with keto to not up your fat enough. More fatty meat might actually work out better for you than turkey. Take a look at The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living for more info on the importance of keeping your fat to protein ratio high.

DigitalJack 10y ago
Very good point. I didn't mention it, but I am eating garlic stuffed olives for electrolytes and fat. edit: forgot to mention too that I make the protein shakes with almond milk which has a few grams of fat per serving as well.
- jerf 10y ago
  May I ask exactly how the garlic is treated and exactly what olives you are eating?
  - DigitalJack 10y ago
    I like Mezzetta. Ingredients: Olives, water, garlic (cloves), sea salt, lactic acid, sodium bisulfite, and "natural garlic flavor" They are large green olives from Napa Valley. I'm not that knowledgable about olives so I can't say more than that.