Low carbohydrate diets are not only for people wishing to lose weight. They are a necessary lifestyle for Type II diabetics and those suffering from candiasis (an overgrowth of yeast in the intestinal tract). However, achieving goals for low carbohydrate intake brings with it some discomforting side effects or drawbacks.
Drawbacks and counteraction:
Withdrawal: When sugars are taken from a carbohydrate addict, instant withdrawal symptoms can occur, such as headaches, energy slumps, and malaise.
Cravings: The second stage involves a constant obsession with food. Now that the body has been deprived of excessive carbohydrates, our minds want to eat every hour, waiting for the next snack or meal, with an urge to binge at night.
Hypoglycemia: Worst still, when carbohydrates have been limited, some will go into a severe sugar dip known as hypoglycemia, resulting in the shakes, faintness, and loss of energy, headaches, and a total body slump.
Counteraction: Be aware these situations will occur until the body has stabilized and gotten used to the limitation of carbohydrates. The best way to counteract these side effects is to be prepared with small snacks which break the sugar dips and cravings. When you are prepared, you will not be tempted to grab just any food which may result in extra calories or extra carbohydrates. Having some juice in the fridge will take care of hypoglycemia slumps. One ounce will do.
As for the other symptoms, buy some snack zip-lock bags and pack controlled portions of healthy foods, such as a handful of almonds or peanuts. Fresh raw vegetables sticks are always welcomed. If you want something more substantial, have on hand the highest fiber cereal you can find (Fiber 1 or Original All Bran). A half cup with a half banana or strawberries, with almond milk will satisfy a craving.
Other low carbohydrate snacks can be in the way of a boiled egg, and ounce of low fat cheese, some yogurt with blueberries and flaxseed meal, or even a mixture of hot water, flaxseed meal, and a tablespoon of peanut butter. It actually satisfies and soothes the stomach. Include in your diet also, lots of seeds, nuts, and beans and legumes. They are healthy and contain lots of fiber.
Chronic fatigue:
Carbohydrates provide quick energy and jumpstart the body's metabolism. The secret is to eat every three hours so the body is constantly fuelled with little shots of carbohydrates every few hours. Spend time on finding snacks which Contain less than 20 grams of carbohydrates. Kashi makes a wonderful granola bar. Apples are great for a pick-me-up, providing good fiber. As are all nuts and seeds, for constant energy. With a schedule for eating, it will counteract the side effects of sugar dips and constant fatigue.
Nutrition deficit:
Limiting carbohydrates also limits maximum nutrition from foods. By eating super foods which provide the most energy and nutrients, yet are lowest in calories, fats, and carbohydrates gives you the most bangs for your bucks. Concentrate on brightly colored fruits and vegetables. They are high in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and minerals; especially magnesium and Vitamin K. Examples are green/red peppers, carrots, artichoke, broccoli, spinach, etc. The best fruit to eat which are low in carbohydrates and also low on the glycemic index are berries, cantaloupe, kiwi, nectarines/peaches. Nuts and seeds provide necessary essential oils which are crucial to good health. Of course, if you love beans, cook them with lean pork or beef as they are high in fiber and provide complex carbohydrates, along with lots of vitamins and minerals.
Protein substitution:
The problem with being on a low carbohydrate diet is one must up the consumption of protein. Eating too much protein is taxing on your organs. It takes longer for proteins to be broken down. That's why they say protein will keep you fuller longer, but meanwhile you may be hungry waiting for the protein to digest. Not to mention the long term side effects of eating saturated fats along with meats, and the potential to clog your arteries.
The solution is to always eat lean cuts of meat and to replace with protein alternatives such as tofu, turkey breast, low fat cheese, unsweetened yogurt, cottage cheese, and even eggs. Eggs have been maligned for years but in actuality is considered the perfect protein food, along with omega oils, with under 100 calories per egg, no carbohydrate, and with 2/3 good cholesterol as opposed to the other 1/3 bad. So decide for yourself its worth.
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