One of the golden rules of weight loss is to reduce your carb intake. Many diets even recommend cutting carbs altogether.
The problem is, our bodies need healthy, complex carbohydrates—aka, whole grains, fruit and vegetables—so when we’re not getting enough of them (or any!) you’ll start to experience several unpleasant symptoms. If you’re suffering from any of the following, it’s time to consider whether you’ve cut back too far on carbs.
You’re craving junk food. Carbohydrates fuel our bodies, so when you’re not getting enough of them, you’ll experience strong cravings as your body “hunts for energy.” This will make it extremely hard to resist caving into junk food cravings.
You’re tired and can’t think straight. Carbs provide the glucose necessary to fuel your body, so if you’re not getting enough of them, you’re probably feeling fatigued. You also may be experiencing brain fog due to a lack of glucose in your neuro pathways.
You’re having a lot of headaches. Cutting back too much on carbs sends your blood sugar plummeting. A common side effect of low blood sugar is headaches as your brain tries to restore sugar levels on its own. These are often dull, throbbing headaches located in the temples.
You’re feeling bloated. If you’re not getting enough carbs, you’re not getting enough fiber either. This can lead to bloating as your GI tract stops running smoothly.
You’re frequently cold. When your body is running low on carbs, the hormones that control temperature regulation in your body are often thrown off track. This could be why you’re finding it impossible to warm up.
You’re moody. A classic sign that someone is on a low-carb diet is frequent irritability. Once again, a lack of glucose is the culprit. As the hunger hormone goes into overdrive, it impacts other hormones negatively…like the ones that keep you calm.
So keep in mind that including the right kind of carbs in your diet (fiber-rich whole grains, fruits and veggies) are essential to your overall health and well-being. Focus on cutting out sugar and white flour instead, and you’ll be on your way to a healthy, balanced diet.
