Tips for the First Days of a No-Carbohydrate Diet

Beginning your no-carbohydrate diet can be an overwhelming task, especially if carbohydrates made up a large portion of your normal food intake. Naturally, your body will crave carbohydrates. This causes you to undergo a sort of carb withdrawal that can create general discomfort, including headaches, queasiness, fatigue and irritability. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks you can apply that will combat these unpleasant feelings and make your transition from high carb to no carb a much smoother one.

Consume Fiber, Protein and Fat

• Salmon is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

  Once you begin your no-carb diet, it's important to eat foods with a high degree of satiety. This will keep those hunger pangs from sneaking up on you while still providing your body with nutrients. Try foods that contain flax seeds, eggs, healthy omega-3 fatty acids (avocado, salmon, nuts), vegetables, cheese, oats and even salads with extra dressing. Low and no-carb diets like the South Beach and Atkins recommend all these foods.

Drink Lots of Water

• Water helps flush out toxins in your body.

  Drink at least 64 ounces of water every day and an addition eight ounces of water for every 25 pounds of weight you are over your target weight. This serves two major functions. First, water keeps your kidneys and body healthy by flushing out the toxins released from fat cells. Secondly, it helps your body metabolize fat and lose weight more quickly.

Take Supplements

• Take supplemental vitamins to make sure your body gets the nutrients it needs.

  You should always take vitamins to replace what you're body is otherwise not getting. However, this is especially important once you begin your no-carbohydrate diet. Low Carb For Life recommends taking 1000 milligrams of L-Glutamine (found in health food stores) in particular. This combats carb withdrawals like fatigue, upset stomach and intense cravings.

Avoid Caffeine

• Say no to caffeine when you first begin your no carb diet.

  Caffeine, which can be found in coffee, soda, tea and chocolate, may trigger insulin production in your body. As a result, some find it hinders weight loss and can even cause them to feel especially jittery.