The Best Way to Begin a Low Carb Diet

The first two weeks of a low carb diet are commonly referred to as the induction period. During this time you teach your body not to rely on sugar for energy, but on fat. The first two days of your low carb diet are the hardest because you deprive your body of the sugar that it so desperately craves. You may experience headaches or feel fatigued and cranky. You have to stay focused and avoid giving into your cravings.

Instructions

• 1

  Start your diet on a Friday because this way you will have the weekend to get over the hardest part of the diet. Avoid starting a low carb diet during times of stress such as moving into a new apartment or starting a new job. Focus solely on your diet. Watch movies or draw yourself a bubble bath and try to take the time you need.

• 2

  Throw out or give away all fattening, sugary foods, including candy, cakes, chips and ice cream, so that there is no temptations in your home and you can focus on eating healthy. Stock up on low carb snacks and foods such as lean meats and poultry, cheese, eggs, non-starchy vegetables and low carbohydrate energy bars.

• 3

  Inform family and friends about your low carb diet so they can support you in your effort and won't force junk food on you. Talk to them so they don't feel insulted when you refuse any carbohydrate-rich foods they may serve.

• 4

  Make reading food labels a priority so you can easily find out the carbohydrate content in one serving of a certain food. Keep in mind that products sometimes contain more than one serving. Low carb diets like the Atkins Diet allow no more than 20 g of carbohydrates per day during the first two weeks.

• 5

  Avoid fruit, pasta, rice, bread, alcohol, milk and sugars during the first two weeks of your diet. Rest assure, because The first two weeks are the most restrictive; it gets easier as your body adjusts to your new diet.

• 6

  Drink eight, 8 oz glasses of water, herbal teas or club soda to keep your electrolytes balanced and to stay hydrated. Sip caffeinated or decaf tea and coffee in moderation.

• 7

  Scan the menu when dining out for low carb options that are now often offered at many restaurants. Read the nutritional information if it's provided. Ask to have the chef prepare your food in a way so that it is low in carbohydrates. Watch out for hidden carbs in salad dressings and gravy.

• 8

  Take a daily multi-vitamin to make up for the vitamins that you are lacking from food.