So you’re wanting to try a low-carb diet, keto, or start consuming more carbohydrates to smash a few athletic goals – good for you! Adapting to a different energy source than what you’re used to can be a tricky transition, but never fear – these tips are here to help.
Adapting to protein and fat instead of carbs
Your body learns to use what it’s given.
That means, whatever you’re consuming most of, your body will use. When you’re trying to adapt to low-carb, ease out of it. Increase good fats as you decrease carbs and keep it all balanced against your activity level. When you’re fat-adapted, you can still eat carbs for energy, but the less active you are, the less carbs you can handle. And a tip for switching to low-carb: stay away from sugar. The key component of teaching your body to burn fat instead of carbs is low insulin, so if you’re eating sugary foods, your liver won’t get the signal to start burning fat.
Keep an eye on your calories
You’re the best person to judge what you need to suit your diet and keep you fuelled, so whatever you’re choosing to use for energy, make sure you’re getting enough of it. Do some research, understand what you’ll need to eat more of to compensate for what you’re not getting, and make sure you’re giving your body all the nutrients it needs.
Enjoy your food
This is a general tip that will help you maintain any new diet. If you’re struggling through, restricting yourself and never getting to eat anything you enjoy, it’s going to be too easy to give up, so make sure you’re still getting to eat things that make you say ‘yum!’
Check out Fitfood’s keto and low-carb meal ranges for alternative fuel sources, or browse the full menu to find the fuel for your fit lifestyle.
