Atkins Diet & Tiredness

Following the Atkins diet is an effective way to lose weight if you can stick to it, as shown in a study published in 2005 in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." The standard American diet is high in carbs and more than half of the calories are supplied by this nutrient, whether from bread, rice, pasta, breakfast cereals, sugar, granola bars, baked goods, desserts or sweetened beverages. Switching to the Atkins diet involves eliminating most of these foods and basing your diet on low-carb, moderate-protein and high-fat food. Discuss any significant dietary changes with your doctor before starting.

Side Effects

The Atkins diet comprises four distinct phases with varying degree of carbohydrate restriction. The first phase, called the induction phase, is recommended as a good place to start for people who have at least 15 lbs. of weight to lose, are inactive, have struggled with their weight in the past or are affected by metabolic derangements like metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. The induction phase limits carbohydrates to less than 20 g a day and might be accompanied by side effects during the first few days or weeks, including fatigue, lethargy, headaches, irritability and dizziness.

Dehydration

One main reason Atkins beginners might feel tired when getting started with this low-carb way of eating is dehydration. Low-carb diets have a diuretic effect, which can help you eliminate unneeded water from your body, but if this water loss happens too fast at the beginning or if you don't take in enough fluids, you might feel sluggish and tired. Dehydration can decrease your energy levels and make you feel lethargic.

Carbohydrate Withdrawal

Another reason Atkins dieters might experience fatigue, especially during the induction phase, is because they are suffering from carbohydrate withdrawal. Switching from a high-carb to a low-carb diet requires your body to make adjustments in the type of fuel it burns. It takes a few days and sometimes up to a few weeks for your body to efficiently use dietary fat and fat stored on your body as a source of energy to replace carbohydrates. During that transition period, you might feel like you are lacking energy and feel tired as a result.

Increasing Your Energy Levels

The best way to alleviate your symptoms of fatigue when starting the Atkins diet is to stay properly hydrated. Drink 64 oz. or more of fluids every day. Some people also benefit from supplementing their diet with 1/2 tsp. of salt a day, according to "The New Atkins for a New You," released in 2010. It is advised to discuss this recommendation with your doctor if you have been advised to watch your sodium intake. Another way to fight fatigue and ease the transition to a low-carb diet is to ensure that your diet contains enough energy from protein and fat at each meal.