Considering the popularity of the ketogenic or keto diet, it is no surprise that Yasmin Karachiwala also decided to try it out for a week. Now, the Pilates trainer has opened up about her experience to Rohit Roy: “I try a lot of new diets because people ask me. So, when keto came out, I tried keto. I was ‘hangry’ all the time. I wanted to kill people. I tried it for a week. They say, eat cheese paratha but it is so small. I am looking at it and I am like, how can this be so small?”
Karachiwala, who trains celebrities like Katrina Kaif, Helen among others, added, “That’s what I say: if you can make it your lifestyle, and don’t have any medical issues with it, and if it’s working for your body, you are looking young, skin is feeling great and you are energetic, you may do it.”
Lack of carbohydrates can lead to lack of energy (Source: Freepik)
Interestingly, Roy also tried the Keto diet for 45 days which, he said, helped him lose weight. However, as soon as he stopped following it, he ended up putting on 1-2 kilos every day, he admitted.
What’s ketogenic diet and how does it impact the body?
The keto diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, can indeed make some people feel irritable or ‘hangry’, said Dr Bhavana P, chief dietitian, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad. “This emotional response is often due to the significant changes in blood sugar and hormone levels that occur during the diet,” said Dr Bhavana.
When you drastically reduce carbohydrate intake, your body enters a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. During this transition, according to Dr Bhavana, blood sugar levels can fluctuate, leading to symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and fatigue. “The reduction in carbohydrates also decreases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, which can further contribute to feelings of anger or irritability,” Dr Bhavana told indianexpress.com
To manage these effects, it’s important to stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate mood swings. “Eating enough healthy fats and proteins can help stabilise blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes. Additionally, ensuring adequate intake of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, can help mitigate these symptoms,” said Dr Bhavana.
If irritability persists, it may be “helpful to reassess the diet with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual needs, or to consider a more gradual reduction in carbohydrates”. “Also, before going on a keto diet one should check their lipid profile and one should not continue it for long,” said Dr Bhavana.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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