I just started a new diet, almost 6 wks out and I'm noticing a few things. I want to be dedicated to the diet BUT, I'm hungry so I start thinking about all of the info on cortisol when hungry. Then there's the re-feed night which doesn't make sense to me either. A meal totally made up of carbs, some simple, aren't I going to have an issue with insulin? So these are two factors that we read about all of the time to avoid because of fat retention. Am I setting myself up to store fat by being hungry? Am I going to send signals to my body to store fat with a carb meal? Please help me with my confusion. I want to feel comfortable about what I am doing. TIA!

Fitdoll,
If you are seeing results, the diet is working. Stick with it. Hunger is somewhat the norm when dieting. You must be in a calorie deficit to lose. I would make sure you are not below 10 calories per pound of bodyweight, this could be more like starvation mode and your metabolism could shut down.
If you are following a nutrition plan from one of the Beverly books, or the Frequently Asked Questions section of the homepage, the carb load meal has a few functions. It replenishes depleted muscle glycogen stores, prevents a decline in metabolism, provides variety and satiates carb cravings, and facilitates muscular growth by inducing an uptake of amino acids. The carbs in this meal are not stored as fat. Thousands of athletes have used this type of nutrition plan to achieve contest level bodyfat percentages. Dieting and fat loss is tough, but you have a plan. Stay the course and you can achieve your goals.
CR

Thank you. The information about diet is SO conflicting some times. I am staying true and dedicated to the diet!