Tips For Overcoming the Keto Flu – 5 Ways to Feel Better When First Starting a Keto Diet

Keto flu is a series of symptoms after starting a keto diet.

They last for around 5 days on average.

Your body is transitioning into a new fuel source, it takes some getting used to.  

Some of these symptoms include headaches, fatigue, irritability, and trouble sleeping.

Not everyone goes through this and they are easily preventable!

Check out five tips below to make your transition a smooth one: 

Electrolytes, Electrolytes, Electrolytes! 

 This can be the only tip given and you will be set.

During the switch to keto, your body will need more electrolytes as it burns fat and uses energy.

This will flush your system and you will need to drink water WITH electrolytes to replace liquid lost.

You can spend money on smart water brands with added minerals but looking at the ingredients (electrolytes in the form of calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium bicarbonate), this is easily made at home.  

With one-part baking soda, one-part sea salt, and a bit of lemon powder or lemon juice, you are set. Adding a bit to a glass of water will give you the electrolytes you need.

For potassium, consume those dark greens like spinach, chard, zucchinis and avocados! 

Take Magnesium! 

You are going to need more and it’s a good way to make sure your bones stay strong!

Our soils have been deprived of this vital substance meaning the average American is may be experiencing a deficit.

It can be found in a powdered form, turned into a drink by adding it to water.

You can also make sure you are consuming a lot of veggies like those high in magnesium.  

Stay Hydrated BUT Drink Only When You’re Thirsty.

The eight glasses of water a day concept is a myth.

Something like water consumption cannot be generalized to the entire human population (just like a diet of 2000 calories is a generalized misconception).

Take an observational study of any animal. They drink when they feel thirst.

Your body already has a perfect way of telling you to drink.

Feeling thirsty? Grab a glass of water (with electrolytes of course) and quench it!

Listen to your body to find what feels right. 

Try to Take it Easy.

No, really.

Your body is learning how to use a new source of fuel.

Listen to what you need and don’t need right now.

Skip a morning walk or add a morning walk.

Quit yoga for a little bit, or start it. Mediate. Be easy during this change. 

 Make Sure You’re Eating Enough! 

Healthy fats are good for you, provide energy, and they will fill you up and keep you satisfied for a long while. 

It is your new fuel. 

You can slowly transition by upping fat intake and slowly removing carbs; it’s a process, but you will get there. 

The Takeaway

There are many ways to practice a healthy keto diet, from knowing what foods to eat, what to avoid, and how to overcome the keto flu.

Carb cycling can also be a great way to make a slow transition into teaching the body how to burn different sorts of fuel.

Learn the difference between a clean keto diet and a dirty keto diet here to get maximum benefits from the food you put in your body!