[airspirit]

If you are trying to combine a weight gaining regimin with this diet you will need to take a few precautions to prevent muscle damage at the beginning. First you will need to go on two weeks of induction. This is designed to fully convert your body into a fat burning machine, and will ensure that you have no residual glucose left to burn ... it also will ensure that your muscles are fully accustomed to ketosis and that you as a person will be comfortable. You will literally feel and function differently. On those occasional times I go too high on carbs anymore it feels like I'm on crack ... when in ketosis you have a more calm and sure muscle response. It is something that is hard to explain but something you will understand during induction.

To start, you will need to set a date. On that date, all carb consumption will cease ... hehe. You need to stay under 20 carbs per day, and these need to be the right type (i.e. the right fruits and vegetables). Stay at it for two weeks. Toward the end of week two, start taking a protien supplement IN ADDITION to your diet to ensure that you will have the right amino acids available for protien development. MAKE SURE THIS DOES NOT CONTAIN AN IRON SUPPLEMENT. Also, you should be taking multivitamins (WITHOUT IRON) throughout to promote good health. After the two weeks are done, ease into a weight lifting routine and start gradually increasing your carb count with GOOD carbs (no sugar, starches, processed grains, etc) to around 40-50 (YRMV). This raise in carb counts will help replace the small amounts of protien burnt via glucogenesis and will enhance your muscle growth.

First off, though, do some research on the diet to ensure you know what you're getting in to. It's not for everyone ... especially if you're a bread/pasta fanatic.