Switching to a high-fat, low-carb diet after years of eating a normal diet is challenging, to say the least, especially if you are a carb-lover. However, it’s not impossible. This guide will give you some tips on how to transition to a keto diet more smoothly if you love your carbs.
1. Start slow
Dropping your favorite pasta, bread, and desserts from your diet is not a good way to start a keto diet. This type of diet needs to start slow, even if you are planning to take food supplements to increase ketosis. Hence, don’t go cold turkey and say goodbye to your favorite carb-rich foods just yet. Instead, start gradually decreasing your carb intake every week, preferably with the help of a dietitian. Little by little, you will achieve your goal carb-fat ratio and start seeing results.
2. Learn how to count your macros
It can be pretty easy to go over your maximum carb limit for the day, especially if carb-rich foods has been a major part of your diet. To curb your carb habit, learn how to count your macros, not just carbs and calories. You can easily keep track of your macro intake using a fitness app or by writing your food down on a food journal. It’s also crucial that you learn how to read the nutritional label on products and take note of the macro content in foods that don’t have labels, such as produce.
3. Find good carb alternatives
Just because you’re on a low-carb diet doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy carbs. An excellent way to still enjoy carbs despite being on the keto diet is by finding low-carb alternatives to your favorite foods, such as keto-friendly bread, pasta, and noodles. Alternatively, you can use low-carb substitutes for carb-rich foods, such as spiral vegetables for pasta, squash for french fries, cauliflower for macaroni, bananas for pancakes, potato noodles instead of flour noodles.
4. Flavor your food
Another key to smoothly transitioning to the keto diet while enjoying is to flavor your low-carb foods well. Use seasonings, herbs, healthy oils, and naturally flavorful ingredients to make your meals delicious despite being low-carb.
5. Focus on low-carb foods
Instead of being pre-occupied with avoiding carbs, focus on incorporating more foods that are naturally low-carb into your diet. These low-carb foods include lean meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables, fruits, oils, and nuts. Consuming more of these foods can easily fill you up but without going over your carbohydrate limit, which is especially important if you exercise regularly.
6. See a dietitian
It is easier and safer to transition into a ketogenic diet with the help of a dietitian. A dietitian can guide you when it comes to planning low-carb diets, choosing healthy and appropriate foods, and making sure you’re still getting enough nutrients in your body. It is also worthy to mention to your dietitian that you love carbs in your diet prior to doing keto so they can help you make the transition smoother.
Going into a keto diet is harder for people who love carbs. If you’re one of them, these tips can help you ease into the diet effectively without losing your mind in the process.
