A no carb diet is different from a low carb diet. It is more intense because you’re allowed zero carbohydrate intake. There must be an alternative source of energy in your diet. Fat will be the main source, and protein is another backup. The bulk of your intake on a no carb diet will be cheese, fish, egg and meat.
The natural consequence of this is a ketogenic state as the fat consumed is converted into ketones. Oxidization of fat is not the regular setting of your metabolic processes which typically depend on carbohydrates. For this reason, a strict no carb diet should ideally be vetted by a physician, especially if you have any medical conditions which could make it dangerous to try.
To qualify for the category of zero carb diet, your total daily intake should not exceed 50 grams of carbohydrate. However, even when you eat more than that, there’s a chance that you’ll continue losing weight.
Preparing for a no carb diet
It’s hard to get started on such a strict dietary regimen without prior preparation. Give yourself time to prepare for it. Draw up a list of food items that are allowed. Don’t assume that because this is a tough diet, it won’t be delicious. There are many tasty items that can be eaten even on such a protocol.
Creativity is the key in enjoying your restricted diet. Be ready and willing to try out different new recipes and meal plans.
First, assess how many carb calories you are permitted to eat every day. This will depend on your weight loss goals and current body weight. You’ll quickly realize that eating fewer carbs changes and optimizes your body composition and proportion, leaving you in better metabolic health and with improved levels of health biomarkers.
The good news is that when you make sure your glucose and glycogen levels are enough to replenish cellular stores, you will not feel tired or weak even on a strictly carb restricted diet. Few dieters complain of fatigue, low energy or feeling dull mentally.
There is one caveat with very low carb diets. You cannot get enough calories if you’re an active person. Anyone who runs, jogs, skis or is active physically over prolonged durations can manage an adequate calorie intake without including carbs in the diet.
Under such circumstances, starving your body of carbohydrates can lead to tiredness, muscle aches, bone loss and reduced performance. That is not a desirable situation and your diet plan needs modification.
With so many easy, keto breakfasts, you’ll be full all morning, and can keep your carbs in check at the same time.