Keto Mistakes You Might Be Making Without Knowing It
When it comes to the keto diet, even the slightest mistake can set you back. That’s because this high-fat, low-carbohydrate way of eating requires your body to go into a state of ketosis, where it’s burning fat for energy instead of carbs.
If you’re not careful, you might find yourself inadvertently sabotaging your keto diet without even realizing it. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make on the keto diet, and how to avoid them.
1. You're not drinking enough water
2. You're not getting enough electrolytes
3. You're not eating enough fat
4. You're not eating enough protein
5. You're eating too many carbs
6. You're not tracking your macros
7. You're not getting enough sleep
1. You're not drinking enough water
When it comes to the keto diet, one of the most important things to focus on is making sure that you’re drinking enough water. This is because when your body is in a state of ketosis, it is more prone to dehydration. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you’re drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day. However, if you’re exercising or sweating a lot, then you may need to drink even more water than that.
In addition to making sure that you’re drinking enough water, you also need to make sure that you’re not over-consuming other liquids such as alcohol or coffee. This is because these liquids can also lead to dehydration. Therefore, it’s important to limit your intake of these beverages and make sure that you’re staying hydrated with water.
If you’re not sure how much water you should be drinking, then it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They will be able to give you specific advice based on your individual needs.
2. You're not getting enough electrolytes
If you're following a keto diet, you may be at risk for electrolyte imbalances. Here are a few ways to make sure you're getting enough electrolytes:
1. Eat foods high in electrolytes. Some excellent options include bone broth, coconut water, avocados, and leafy greens.
If you're not getting enough electrolytes, you may experience symptoms like fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, and irregular heartbeat. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention to rule out other causes and to treat any electrolyte imbalances.
3. You're not eating enough fat
If you’re not eating enough fat on a ketogenic diet, you’re not going to get into ketosis and you’re not going to experience the many benefits of this low-carb, high-fat way of eating. Fat is a key macronutrient on a keto diet – it provides energy and fuels your body and brain.
When you’re first starting out on a keto diet, it’s not unusual to feel like you’re not eating enough. This is usually because you’re used to eating a diet that’s high in carbs and calories, and on keto, you’re eating less of both. It can take a bit of time to adjust to this new way of eating, but once you do, you’ll find that you’re naturally eating less because you’re not as hungry.
If you’re still not sure if you’re eating enough fat, use a keto calculator to help you figure out how much you should be eating based on your individual goals and needs. And remember, it’s better to err on the side of eating too much fat than not enough – you can always trim down if you find you’re eating too much, but it’s much harder to add fat to your diet if you’re not eating enough.
4. You're not eating enough protein
If you're following a keto diet, you're probably well aware of the fact that you need to eat a lot of fat and very few carbs in order to stay in ketosis. However, what you may not realize is that you also need to be eating a decent amount of protein in order to maintain your muscle mass and keep your body healthy.
Many people make the mistake of thinking that they can get all the protein they need from the fat they're eating. However, while fat does contain some protein, it's not enough to meet your body's needs. This can lead to muscle loss and other health problems.
By getting enough protein, you'll be able to maintain your muscle mass, keep your body healthy, and stay in ketosis.
5. You're eating too many carbs
If you're trying to go keto, you might be making some mistakes without even knowing it. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is eating too many carbs.
When you're trying to go keto, you need to be very careful about your carb intake. Most people need to stick to 20-50 grams of carbs per day, but some people may need to go even lower.
Eating too many carbs is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when you're trying to go keto. Make sure you're aware of your carb intake and cut back if necessary.
6. You're not tracking your macros
If you're not tracking your macros, you might be making some keto mistakes without knowing it. Here are some things to keep in mind when tracking your macros:
1. Make sure you're getting enough fat. Fat is a key component of the keto diet, and you should make sure you're getting enough of it. Otherwise, you may find yourself feeling fatigued or lightheaded.
If you're not tracking your macros, you may be making some of these mistakes without realizing it. Tracking your macros can help you make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need on the keto diet and avoid making these mistakes.
7. You're not getting enough sleep
If you’re not getting enough sleep, it’s going to have an impact on your keto diet. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body is under stress, and that can lead to increased levels of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol can signal your body to store fat, particularly in the abdominal area. It can also make you feel hungrier, so you’re more likely to snack or overeat.
Lack of sleep can also lead to dehydration, which can make you feel weak and tired. When you’re not properly hydrated, your body can’t function at its best. You may not have the energy to work out, or you may find it harder to concentrate on your task at hand.
Whatever changes you make, be sure to give yourself some time to adjust. It may take a few nights to get used to a new sleep routine, but once you do, you’ll start to feel the benefits. Getting enough sleep is essential for good health, and it’s especially important if you’re following a keto diet.
If you're on the keto diet, you might be making some mistakes without even knowing it. Here are some common keto diet mistakes:
1. Not getting enough fat.
If you're making any of these mistakes, don't worry, you can easily fix them and get back on track. Just make sure to do your research, stay motivated, and stay consistent.