Social media platforms are brimming with success stories of people who were able to lose weight by following a ketogenic diet. For those who are new to the concept, the keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has tremendous weight loss benefits. The diet also helps suppress appetite and lower cholesterol. But many people make some common keto diet mistakes that harm the body. Read to know more about them.

Common keto diet mistakes
If you are looking to follow this approach, here are some of the common pitfalls you must avoid.

1. Cutting carbs and increasing the fat content
Most beginners follow the diet abruptly. This implies that one day they are eating all carbs in the form of sandwiches, pasta, cereal, etc. and the very next day, they consume only 20 grams of carbs, which is typically the recommended amount to start a keto diet. Now, this may be a radical change for the body. So, it is important to lower your carb content before starting a keto diet.

2. Not drinking enough water
This is one of the common keto diet mistakes that people make. The huge decrease in the carb intake may cause a shift in the bodily fluids and electrolyte balance. This makes dehydration a big possibility. So, it is important to drink enough water during keto. Most nutritionists recommend waking up to a big glass of water and drinking it regularly throughout the day.

3. Missing out on foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
In a keto diet, it is important to consume heavy quantities of fats. But make sure to choose fat foods wisely. Most people simply turn to things like cream, cheese, bacon, etc., and forget about omega-3 fatty acids. Aim to include more anti-inflammatory omega-3s that are found in sardines, salmon, herring, oysters, and mussels. You can also include olive or avocado oil in your diet for best results.

4. Not eating enough vegetables
Vegetables are full of carbohydrates. And this is why most people avoid consuming them at all. This is one of the most common keto diet mistakes. Vegetables are critical to maintaining overall health, even when you are on a keto. They contain a lot of fiber that prevents constipation. So make sure to eat non-starchy veggies like leafy greens, broccoli, tomato, cucumber, bell peppers, and asparagus.

5. Not preparing yourself for the keto flu
Many beginners experience keto flu that typically happens when your body transitions from a carb burner to a fat burner. The symptoms of this may include nausea, muscle cramps, fatigue, and body aches. It is advisable to prepare your body for the transition by planning your meals in advance. Also, foods rich in sodium, magnesium, and potassium may help during this period.

The aforementioned are some of the most common keto diet mistakes. You must avoid these to lose weight in a healthy and balanced way.