Ways to survive a low carb diet

Whilst low carbohydrate diets have received huge attention in recent years as an effective way of losing weight, studies have also shown they come with unfortunate side effects like lack of energy, feeling tired and even dehydration (due to lack of muscle glycogen). Here we look at the foods you should be including in your diet if you want to survive a low carb diet.

Coconut oil dressing (and salad)

Coconut oil is completely cholesterol-free and is a great source of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which the liver transforms directly into energy rather than fat, just like carbohydrates, which is why more nutritionists are recommending this as an efficient fuel source alternative to carbohydrates when on a low carb diet.

Cashew nuts

1/4 cup of cashew nuts contains 50 mg of L-tryptophan an amino acid that’s been shown to combat the negative psychological effects of a low carb diet by helping the brain produce more serotonin (the ‘happy hormone’). This is so important since studies show that a low carbohydrate diet can alter the chemical reactions occurring in the brain often leaving you feeling tired, lethargic and demotivated and less likely to survive the diet.

Whey Protein Isolate

Whey Protein Isolate has been Cross-Flow Micro-filtrated to separate the protein from fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates and lactose and only contains 0.17g of carbohydrates per 25g serving. This is why so many dieticians advocate the use of Whey Protein Isolate when losing weight since protein out of any other macronutrient (fat and carbohydrates) has been shown to require more calories to digest and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Salmon

Salmon is a great source of Omega 3 which is an essential fatty acid made up of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which studies show can ‘up-regulate’ mitochondrial machinery and improve your body’s ability to use fat as a source of fuel.

Water Melon 

When you cut out carbohydrates in your diet you also lose a lot of water too since you have less muscle glycogen to ‘hold the water’. This is why it’s important to include foods such as water melon in your diet since it’s 92% water and so can prevent you from becoming dangerously dehydrated when dieting..