We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, Trendy Mami may collect a share of sales or other compensations from the links on this page.
–
Some of us, for one reason or another, will brave the cold, doughless frontier of a no-carb diet. And that can lead to a very unpredictable sickness called the low-carb flu. The low-carb flu, for those of you who will take the plunge, is that foggy, irritable, exhausting feeling after you’ve stopped eating carbs. But there’s light at the end of the no-bread tunnel if you can only stick it out for a few days!
Stages of the Low-Carb Flu
Knowing what will happen beforehand is the best way to mentally prepare yourself and fortify your motivational reserve. So, here are a few ways the low-carb flu will absolutely mess you up — plus how it’ll make you stronger in the end.
1. No carbs
This might sound obvious, but let that sink in for a minute. No. Carbs. None. That means no rice, noodles, bagels, bread, sandwiches, cake, pies, pizza — I won’t agonize you anymore. The upside? You get to go crazy on flax and chia seeds! OK, maybe it’s not the most appealing lunch, but we never said going no-carb was easy.
2. The cravings
During the low-carb flu, cravings will be everywhere. Blame fructose for your misery. Fructose, a natural sugar found in foods high in carbohydrates, is highly addictive. Although the going might get tough, stick it out! Snack on something low-carb or high in protein to hold you over. Most importantly, keep a regular supply of protein-rich foods like salmon by using deliverable subscriptions like Wild Alaskan Company.Â
3. Hunger Pains and Body Aches
Headaches, stomach pains, lethargy, brain fog, and irritability are common symptoms when your body is going through a carb withdrawal. Counter by drinking lots of water, and perhaps a bath full of essential oils to clear your head.
4. Mood Swings
When sugar receptors in the brain have been deprived of the sweet nectar for too long, it can drive people a little crazy. Try some breathing exercises to quell your swings.
5. The Good Stuff
If you’re still sans-carbs after a couple of weeks, then you’ll start to see some changes. Increased energy, better concentration, and less binge eating are just a few things you can expect when you kick carbs to the curb. Eventually, the low-carb flu will leave and you’ll be left with a renewed sense of energy.
Don’t Give UpÂ
It might sound tough, but a no-carb diet shouldn’t have to take you to hell in a handbasket. And it shouldn’t take you to the breadbasket either. Don’t give up. But also remember that if you do mess up and reach for the pasta, it’s not the end of the world. Accept that it happened, and then get back on track!
Do you have a low-carb flu experience you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!
