When you’re trying out a low-carb, high-protein diet for weight loss, it’s possible to go overboard. And when you do, that may have negative consequences.
Here are just a few of them:
- You may feel worse. Carbs are big factors in stimulating serotonin production, which is what makes you happy. It’s why so many people crave carbs, and when you take them away, you may end up grumpy. One study in Australia reported worse moods in people following low-carb diets than in people following a higher-carb diet.
- You experience more tummy troubles. Unfortunately, fiber is a carb, and protein can’t really deliver on that front. If you skimp too much on your whole grains, fruits, and veggies, you’ll probably end up with fiber deficiency. This means you’ll feel gross in almost every way. Constipated, bloated, and just downright uncomfortable.
- You get nasty breath. If you’re cutting carbs down to the bone, your body will go into ketosis, which is when your body burns fat instead of carbs for fuel. Sounds great, because it means you’ll burn more fat, but it also leaves your body releasing chemicals called ketones. They can leave your breath smelling a little like acetone, and you won’t able to do much about it.
- Your kidneys take a beating. Protein contains nitrogen byproducts, which your kidneys have the job of processing. A normal amount of protein means these nitrogen levels are okay, but too much makes your kidneys have to work in overdrive, meaning they take the toll in the long run.
- You may gain weight. Sure, low-carb is a great option for losing weight at first. If you keep up a high protein diet without cutting enough of your other foods though, you’ll probably end up gaining it right back.
The moral of the story? There’s no miracle nutrient, but working in moderation with all of them will get you where you need to go.
