Fighting Food Cravings on the Keto Diet
If you sometimes find yourself thinking about sweets, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with cravings no matter what healthy eating program they follow. In this article, we’ll explain why cravings occur and what you can do about them.
What Are Food Cravings And Why Do They Occur?
It is perfectly normal to get cravings for high-carb foods when you start a new diet plan that eliminates sugary foods. When you teach your body to burn fat instead of glucose, it will look for ways to ask for sugar. This is when sugar cravings occur – usually in the first 3 days of the keto diet. Food cravings and hunger pangs are described as grumbling or gnawing in the stomach. It may also feel like emptiness or contractions in your belly. Other symptoms include a strong desire to eat certain foods, irritability, dizziness, and fatigue.
There are also a few other common reasons that can trigger cravings:
- Not eating enough fats or proteins
- Consuming too many artificial sweeteners
- The ‘Keto Flu’
- Stress
4 Simple Ways to Avoid Cravings
#1 Take a 15-minute walk
A short stretch or walk in the fresh air will take your mind off carbs.
#2 Drink as much water as possible
Add some lemons, cucumbers, oranges or mint leaves to your glass to give it a tasty twist.
#3 Snack on protein-rich foods
Keep some protein bars, nuts, or dark chocolate on hand. A few examples of great low-carb, high-protein snacks.
#4 Eat whole foods
It’s okay to enjoy a keto dessert like a low-carb cookie every now and then, but you should only use them as an occasional treat. A balanced meal plan will help you stay full and give your body the right amount of nutrients you need to avoid cravings.
Cravings Are As Temporary as They Get
Even though carbs have a nasty habit of sneaking into our food, you need to hang in there for a few more days. This transition period is crucial for your body! By simply following the steps above, you can minimize – or even eliminate – your carb cravings!
