Making a lifetime change and sticking with them through the end is never easy with the HCG Diet especially when you are starting out. Your body may undergo changes as you transition from burning carbs for fuel to burning fats for fuel. One of these changes is the carb withdrawal. Others call it as “carb crash”.
What is Carbohydrates Withdrawal?
Carb withdrawal is a real thing. It happens when you quickly jump from a high carbohydrate diet onto a very low carbohydrate diet. The sudden reduction can come as a shock to your body and may cause withdrawal-like symptoms similar to those experienced when weaning off from caffeine.
Your body normally uses carbohydrates as the main source of energy but with the HCG Diet, it has to get used to relying mostly on proteins, fruits and vegetables as its main source of energy. This transition period can be difficult and your body may need time to adapt to the new eating habit.
Carbohydrates are a kind of double-edged sword. If you eat too little of them you may feel bad but if you eat too much you may also feel bad. If you don’t eat them you may feel cranky and crummy. So, if you think you are experiencing a carb withdrawal, it’s possible that you aren’t getting a well-rounded diet from the HCG diet friendly veggies and fruits. Vegetables contain carbohydrates and other vital energy-giving nutrients. When you cut down on them as well, you’re also cutting down on B vitamins and magnesium necessary to create energy. The only way to fix this is to switch to better sources of carbs and then cut back. Eat more veggies. If you feel like you are hungry and cranky during the very low calories diet eat more veggies to help restore your lose glucose.
How to know if you are experiencing a carbohydrate withdrawal?
Are you constantly cranky and tired when on the HCG Diet? You may be experiencing carb withdrawal symptoms. Studies found that sugar affects the brain much like a drug and the same is true to carbohydrates. Depending on how many carbs you use, your body may undergo carb withdrawal once you go on the 500 calorie diet.
Carb withdrawal is the result of cutting all or almost all carbohydrates out of your diet. While some may transition without any side effects, others may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- mental fogginess
- muscle aches
- fatigue
Even though you’re eating a lot of other carb-empty foods you may feel like you’re completely devoid of life and energy. You may also experience cravings, mood swings, irritability, obsession and dizziness. These symptoms can make you throw in the towel but there are ways to reduce them.
How long does carb withdrawal last?
Carb withdrawals are a completely natural reaction to the changes your body is facing but these symptoms do not last forever and soon you will be seeing the benefits of all your efforts. The majority of these symptoms will disappear spontaneously within a few days. You will notice that your desire for carbs subside and your body will no longer depend on carbs for energy. Those who typically consume refined carbs like pasta, soda and sugary cereals are most likely to experience carb withdrawal symptoms.
How to Prevent Carb Withdrawal on the HCG Diet?
Here are few tips for you to keep in mind to help fight carb withdrawal during phase 2 of the HCG Diet:
- Focus on a high protein, high fiber foods and low carb foods. Flax seeds are both high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fiber while salads made from chicken or tuna are your other options.
- Your other defense in fighting off carb withdrawal is being prepared. Look at cutting carbs as a significant lifestyle change. Keep in mind that it will only take a while for your body to adapt to the new change. Diffuse your carb withdrawal symptoms by supplying your body with more proteins, fruits and veggies. Whenever you longed for carbs, snack on veggies and fruits.
- Plan your meals ahead of time. There are tons of delicious HCG diet-friendly recipes at your disposal. Having limited varieties of food choices doesn’t mean your food will be boring. Be creative in your kitchen.
- Drink plenty of water. Water works wonder in your body and mind. Water is necessary for achieving optimal health and in treating carb withdrawal. Staying hydrated will not only quench your thirst but will also decrease your hunger.
- Watch out for sneaky carbs. Read food labels for they might contain hidden grains or sugar that will unknowingly trigger cravings. Remember that the fewer carbs you eat the more you will lose weight. You will lose weight more efficiently if you will exactly follow the protocol. It can be a shock to your body during the first few days of the HCG diet but your body will eventually adjust and switch into a fat-burning state.
- Avoid stress because stress can mess with your blood sugar level and will trigger food cravings. Go for a walk. Read a book or do some medication to distract yourself from stressors.
-
Get enough sleep. Lack of
sleep can cause the stress hormone to rise. This can negatively impact your
overall mood and can make your carb withdrawal symptoms worse. If you find it
hard to fall asleep, try one of the following tips:
- Get up early to help normalize your sleeping pattern and improve the quality of your sleep.
- Reduce your caffeine intake because caffeine can negatively impact your sleep.
- Take a relaxing bath to wind down and get ready for sleep.
