low carb diet and leg cramps
When you go low carb,
your body releases water and loses electrolytes like sodium and potassium. If you don’t
drink enough water and replenish this loss in electrolytes, you risk dehydration and symptoms of the
keto flu [1]. Stay Hydrated and Replenish ElectrolytesDehydration holds you back from feeling energized and causes symptoms similar to the keto flu, such as brain fog, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Make sure you’re drinking enough water to stay hydrated, and use an electrolyte powder in your drink for added minerals. Consume a mineral-rich, well-formulated ketogenic diet and fill your plate with magnesium and potassium-rich foods like avocado and fish. Keto dieters often use more salt on their food to obtain sufficient sodium and trace minerals. Use a high-quality salt like a Celtic sea salt or an Arctic salt, and happy salting! [2] Eat More CaloriesKeto helps you stay satiated, so you don’t feel as hungry as when you were eating a high carb diet. Ketosis accelerates your metabolism, and you burn around 300 more calories daily on a keto diet [3]. On keto, you also burn more body fat, which is positive for weight loss. However, it’s easy to undereat on keto, and consuming too few calories can make you feel fatigued because you don’t have the caloric energy to function properly.
High fat keto foodsUndereating also decreases your body’s production of thyroid and energy hormones, leading to metabolic dysfunction over time.
More companies are starting to recognize that keto isn’t just the latest fad but is here to stay. As a result, you might actually be able to find low-carb chips in the grocery aisle. Keto-friendly chips are often protein-based and made from meat, almond flour, and other low-carb ingredients that are conducive to staying in ketosis. Make sure to study the nutrition label to see what their primary ingredient is, the oil they are cooked in, and their net carbs (total carbs minus dietary fiber) to see if they will fit in your macros reasonably for a small snack. Chip AlternativesOne great keto substitute for chips (especially if you’re a potato chip lover) is pork rinds. They still have a delightfully salty, fatty taste and a satisfying crunch but without the carb content. Instead, pork rinds consist mostly of protein and fat. They often make a perfect chip substitute for those who miss the crunch and flavor of chips. Remember, you don’t want to overeat this snack because it is high in sodium, MSG, and often artificial flavors. There are also healthier ways that you can get a bit of crunch in your diet without resorting to a bag of your favorite crinkle-cut potato chips. Depending on your favorite flavor, you may enjoy crispy kale chips or roasted jalapeno cheese crisps.