Tips to Maintain Energy on a Low Carb Diet

There is no doubt that a low carbohydrate diet focused on foods with a low glycemic index is great for fat burning. By focusing on lean proteins and staying away from obvious carbs, many people can find fat burning success. However, some do not. The problem is often not the foods that they “are” choosing, but the foods that they are not! There are a few potential pitfalls to your low carb diet, and one of the main ones is fatigue and loss of muscle strength.

However, all is not lost. A low carb diet is very successful when you do it right. Here are a few tips to avoid some of the potential pitfalls.

Eat Healthy Fats

A healthy fat can be a sustaining source of energy for the body. It can provide the extra kick you need to get in a good workout after a long day at the job. If you choose your fats wisely, they can have many positive effects on the body.
Fish Oils (Salmon, Tuna and other Marine Oils): These can reduce the risk of CHD and also maintain good mental and visual function.
Salad Oils: Olive oil, grape seed oil and walnut oil and all, healthy delicious options. They can also help maintain good heart health.
Walnuts and Flax: Also great for heart health. Flax seed can reduce your bad cholesterol.
Almonds and Walnuts: May reduce cell damage, improve heart health and boost your immune system

Focus on the Right Food Choices

In a recent article, I mentioned that a lack of potassium can result in fatigue and loss of strength. However, many of the obvious potassium rich foods, such as bananas and potatoes, are not good for your fat burning plan. When maintaining a low carb diet, make sure that you are getting lean protein, fiber and low glycemic carbs from sources like fish (ahi, yellowtail, salmon), spinach and sweet potatoes.
Without this key element in your diet, you will find your energy levels plummeting, as well as a risk for muscle damage, injury and pain.
Since “low carbs” doesn’t mean “no carbs” choose the ones you do eat very wisely. Make sure that they are nutrient dense, low gylcemic index carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, wheat bran and oatmeal.
Green tea

Tea does not just taste good; it has a lot of amazing properties, including a natural stimulant.
It also helps prevent cancer; EGCG, an antioxidant in tea, inhibits the growth of new cancer cells and is also thought to kill some existing ones. It lowers bad cholesterol and stops formation of blood clots which can lead to stroke or heart attack, as well as reduces high blood pressure. It lowers blood sugar and helps prevent type two diabetes, destroys free radicals that cause aging, and boosts immune system function. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties can aid in recovery from colds and flu.

For more information on fitness and nutrition, pay a visit to our fully-equipped BOOTCAMP 619 studio anytime.