These are the signs that leptin sensitivity has returned, according to Dr. Kruse:

1. Men will notice quick weight loss.
2. Women will notice mood changes first (calmer/sleepy) and their sleep will improve. Their clothes will fit differently but weight may not change drastically initially because of effects on the pituitary. This will change too if they continue moving forward.
3. You will notice a change in your sweating pattern.
4. You will notice you have better recovery from exercise and your energy levels seem to have risen.
5. Your hunger is gone and so are your cravings.
6. When you awaken you will feel very refreshed like you slept well.

Generally when the signs are all present, I then really push HIIT exercise with heavy weights.

Number 1: I'm not a man, but I lost 10 pounds in eight weeks doing the leptin reset. In December 2010 I was at 181 pounds, and during 2011 I was at one time as low as 176, but by October 31st I was at 184.4. I am now at 174.2.

Number 2: I have noticed mood changes, and my sleep has improved. This got worse before it got better. My clothes are fitting differently. I'm not sure if 10 pounds would be considered drastic, but after maintaining my weight for the entire year I'm happy with ten pounds.

Number 3: I still am not sure how to notice a difference in my sweating pattern. Should I be sweating more or less? We aren't supposed to work out or exercise during the leptin reset, and it's winter here in Arizona so maybe once the summer rolls around I'll find out if my sweating pattern has changed. Again, should I now be sweating more? I've never sweated heavily so it will be interesting to see.

Number 4: My energy levels are better, not anywhere near where I hope to see them but better than before the leptin reset.

Number 5: This one, definitely yes. It has been so exhilarating to get to the point where I can skip lunch, and I'm not a slave to food. For someone who for years had to eat every few hours, and bring food with me everywhere, this is huge. Now I should say that being on GAPS for about one year brought about the freedom to eat only three meals each day, but there were often days where I needed to have a fourth “meal” or a snack, and night hunger happened fairly regularly. The night hunger is still an issue, although I have had several nights where I did not have to eat during the night.

Number 6: As I laid in bed this morning, having slept for more than nine hours, having woken only once to urinate and was not hungry during the night, I tried to assess if I felt refreshed. When I think of feeling “refreshed” after waking, I tend to think of what I've probably seen on television… the person is lying there sleeping and they wake, sit up and stretch and jump out of bed, eager to start the day. I'm not to that point yet. But I do feel better these mornings when I've had plenty of sleep. Right now I am waking up each morning with a sore throat but it seems to go away after a few minutes, so I'm not sure what is going on. Maybe my body is fighting a virus.

I have just been taking it easy today since New Year's fell on Sunday it is a paid holiday for me.

I still haven't decided how to proceed with the leptin reset… while I ponder what to do I think I will relax a bit on the carbohydrates but continue with the big protein breakfast.

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