It can be tough to make any sort of change to whatever eating plan you already have. Food is a highly personal thing, and we get used to certain routines and basics. So if you are trying to make the switch to a low carb eating plan, it can be a little challenging and you may even start to focus on all the foods you miss or can’t have anymore. This is where most people go wrong. They focus on what they can’t have, and this instantly makes a new way of eating feel daunting and impossible.
Truly, eating low carb does not mean you have to give up everything you love. It just means you have to approach what you eat a little differently. Does it mean you can’t have your favorite cake from the bakery? Probably, but there is no reason you can’t make a similar version at home with low carb ingredients. It’s all a matter of perspective.
So with that in mind, lets look at how best to start a low carb eating plan.
- Get the carby stuff out of your kitchen. Having it around won’t help you when you’re feeling weak. That being said, if you have family in the house who won’t be eating low carb with you, make sure you have a “go-to” space in the kitchen that is yours and only yours. Put a lock on it if you have to, but make sure you have a space for your food that nobody else gets to touch. It can make a huge difference in a house full of things you might feel a little weak around.
- It can take a little getting used to, but make sure you have meats to cook or warm up at all times. It’s easy to make a pot of mac and cheese from the box if you don’t have something on hand to make for yourself and you’re starving.
- Keep low carb veggies on hand. At the very least, you can always make yourself a salad.
- If you make your own breads, be sure you make enough to last you the entire week. You could even make enough to keep some in the freezer. Having that on hand for a quick sandwich will always make you a happy camper.
- Water is more critical on a low carb eating plan than any other way of eating. It’s really easy to get dehydrated and dehydration can also cause your weight loss to stall. Something that can be really frustrating when the weight loss is moving along so nicely, only to stop dead in it’s tracks. Do whatever you need to do to stay hydrated at all times.
- What type of low carb plan will you follow? It’s a decision we all have to make. Most folks starting out will begin somewhere in the range of 20-50 carbs per day and simply track their food to make sure they don’t go over. Those following a keto plan will want to keep their carbs at 20 or below and make sure they are getting adequate fat intake (70-80%!)
- Expect to lose your constant hunger. But know that that is a double edged sword. Because when actual hunger does hit, it hits hard and sudden. So never leave the house without at least a few almonds in your pocket for emergencies. We all have them!
- Accept that there will be mistakes. It doesn’t make you a bad person and you haven’t failed your diet, so don’t throw in the towel. You’re human and you’re learning a new way of eating. That doesn’t come overnight, so be gentle with yourself. You’ll be much happier eating this way if you show yourself a little kindness in the process.
So that, in a nutshell, are my tips for starting a low carb eating plan. I hope they help you in getting started on your path the better health!
Shelly says
Thank you so much for creating this site.. Very helpful indeed.
Lindsay says
So happy we can be of help <3
Paula A McElhennon says
What do you use to track your food/Carbs – I have to get serious about this whole thing AGAIN 🙂
That's Low Carb!?! says
Paula – There are a lot of online calculators, but so far, my favorite is MyFitnessPal.com. Although, I may be changing soon because they just put their macro adjustments behind membership. Meaning you have to pay to adjust macros for a low carb or keto eating plan. So I’m on the hunt as well.
Shawanda says
I am starting a low carb diet. Your website is gonna be a big help. Thanks
That's Low Carb!?! says
Shawanda – My pleasure! I hope you enjoy the recipes! 😀
Jill says
I have tried low carb a few times and always run into the same issue. After a couple days I become to tired as to be non functioning, depressed can’t think clearly. I have read all about the “low carb flu” type effect and that it will pass, but does not seem to. I suspect blood sugar concerns. What would you suggest? Add a fruit or two? Eat a few more carbs? I would really like to reduce about fifteen lbs. and am no good at the programs where one must weigh and measure every thing. I eat very healthfully. good fats etc, leaning to grain and dairy free. Allergic to eggs. thanks so much.
That's Low Carb!?! says
Jill – Carb flu is a very real thing and can last for up to 2 or 3 weeks in the worst cases. That being said, if you don’t feel that that is the issue, it’s possible you may be going too low in carbs. You could take a more gradual approach and lessen your carbs over time. I hate measuring too, but tracking food intake is important. At least until you get a good grasp. But even with all of that, everybody is different. Your body may just react differently or need something different. It would be silly to say that a low carb diet is good for everyone. I don’t believe that there is one diet out there that is good for every single person. So you really have to take the time to check in with your own body to see what it needs. That requires a lot of experimentation. It took me almost 9 years to figure out that my body responds best to low carb eating (I can be a little stubborn in the food department!). I’m not a dietitian, so I can’t make any specific recommendations, but honestly, the best way to figure it out is to experiment with different things until you find what makes your body happy and healthy.
jill says
Ok, will do, thanks so much!
Jo Ann Lapp says
One thing that can help with the “carb flu” is to take a good quality probiotic a few days before going low carb. It helps kill the bacteria that needs sugar and causes cravings that weak feeling.
That's Low Carb!?! says
Jo Ann – Really! I had no idea! 🙂
Michelle says
I like that way !