Your cravings could intensify
Cutting out carbs can cause the brain to release a chemical called neuropeptide-Y (NPY), which tells the body that we need carbs; when we don’t get those carbohydrates our body needs, this chemical builds up and can intensify cravings, which can increase the risk of developing disordered eating patterns like binge eating, says Iu. “It has nothing to do with not having enough ‘will power,’ it’s more to do with the body’s biological response to deprivation,” she says.
You’ll likely feel dehydrated
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself parched while you’re on the keto diet. Excreting all that extra water will likely cause a spike in thirst—so make it a point to drink up, Mancinelli advises. There’s no hard and fast recommendation for how much water you should be having on a keto diet. But in general, aim to drink enough so your urine is clear or pale yellow. If it’s any darker, bump your intake.