1. What on Earth is a Carb Crash?
The Atkins diet is a low carb, high protein diet. During the very first stage of the diet, called the Induction Phase, carbohydrates are limited to 20 grams per day--with 15 of those grams coming from salad greens. Because we are a carbohydrate craving society, your usual intake of carbohydrates can be as high as 10 times more than the allowed carbs during the Induction Phase. The first day or two of the diet presents no problem for carb cravers, the thought of eating all that meat and fat fills you with joy. By about the third or fourth day however, your body goes through somewhat of a carbohydrate withdrawal. You can become very irritable and tire easily. This is known as the "carb crash" on any low carb diet.
2. This too Shall Pass
The best part about experiencing a "carb crash" is knowing it is only a temporary body reaction and that this too shall pass. Your body is just getting used to a lowered intake of carbohydrates. Not everyone on the Atkins diet will experience the carb crash, but for those who do it's a critical time in the diet. By denying your body what it's craving, you may sabotage the diet or just plain give up. Before you start the diet, make sure you have not only the protein and meat on hand, but also make sure you have the allowable vegetables and fiber in stock. Most people who eat enough fiber and allowed vegetables do not experience the carb crash, or it is not as severe. If you do experience the carb crash, it will last only a day or two. It helps to think that your body is detoxing from all the white starches and sugar, a necessary step in weight loss.
3. Eat More, not Less
When the dreaded "carb crash" occurs, it's important not to deprive yourself. Feeling deprived leads to giving up. Eating more of the allowed carbohydrates during the Induction Phase can conquer the deprived feeling of a carb crash. Eat a meal containing a high fiber vegetable, which will add to the feeling of fullness. Have some nuts, which are high in protein but also contain carbohydrates. Treat yourself to a specially prepared meal with tender meat and fat to stave off cravings and satisfy your appetite. The most important thing to remember about the carb crash is to eat more, not less.
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