Question: I've started cutting carbs in my diet and replacing them with more protein. Should you start feeling tired a little as you begin?
Answer: Hello, JG, Yes, you will probably feel tired as you begin. However, there is one mistake most people make when they start a low carbohydrate diet that makes this transition worse. You say you are replacing carbohydrates with "more protein." In reality, assuming you ate adequate protein before you started your new diet plan, you should only replace carbohydrates with fat. That fat, and especially saturated fat, is a healthy part of a diet is a difficult concept for most Americans to understand, but without adequate dietary fat energy is low and you might not feel as satisfied with your meals. Full fat meats, fish, eggs and (not skinless) poultry are good sources of natural fats. The better these animals are raised (pasture finished livestock, low-contamination fish, e.g.) the better they are for your health. The best diets for healthy weight loss are Low Carbohydrate, High Fat (LCHF) diets; with these diets you will probably end up eating more fat than what you are accustomed to. Pasture finished butter (or clarified butter/ghee if you are lactose intolerant or want to fry with butter) and coconut oil are great fats to add. These fats are excellent for cooking and keeping weight normal while enhancing health. Also consider frying with lard, bacon grease, beef fat and duck fat. So, step up your fat, keep protein intake moderate and carbohydrates low. Two good resources for low carbohydrate living are: livinlavidalowcarb.com and dietdoctor.com. Good luck, and bon appetit!