It might be a good idea to ease into a low-carb, high fat (LCHF) diet by cutting out refined and processed carbs for weight loss. But do not completely ditch carbohydrates! Here is a list of reasons why you should not cut carbs entirely from your diet.
#1 Mood swings
Low-carb diets are not just bad for your body, but also negatively impact your mood. In fact, carbohydrates play a role in the production of serotonin, the brain’s feel-good chemical that’s responsible for lifting your spirits. But the good news is that most people find that mood changes start to improve after the first couple of weeks on a low-carb diet.
#2 Bad breath
Eating a ketogenic low-carb diet can cause ketone breath, a fruity smell that often reminds people of nail polish remover. This smell is caused by ketones that are released in the breath as the body burns fat to fuel the brain. You may try masking it with mouthwashes. Yet, it won’t overcome the fundamental problem other than by changing your diet and introducing some carbohydrates.
#3 Reduced physical performance
Going too low-carb could make you feel weaker to train hard. Wondering how reducing your carb intake will affect your exercise performance? Carbohydrates are the primary foods for the energy you need for different types of activity. When your carb intake is too low, it’s difficult for your muscles to exert the high-intensity effort required to strength training and cardio.
#4 Constipation
Constipation is often a nasty side effect when you are on a high-fat, low-carb diet. The truth is most dietary fibre is made of carbohydrates found in high-carb foods like legumes, fruits, and healthy whole grains. Getting enough good quality fibre from the diet keeps the intestines moving and reduces the risk of constipation.
If you have concerns or questions, please seek medical advice before starting any diet plan.
