The Beginners Guide To Ketosis: Investigating Low-carb, High-fat Eating
The only hard and fast rule of health is that health is personal and what works well for one person may not work for someone else. Aside from that rule, there are “frameworks” that seem to benefit large groups of people. One more level down from that are alternative strategies that benefit smaller groups. Ketosis is likely one of those alternative strategies that works well for certain, smaller groups of people. So, right off the bat I want you to understand that Ketosis might not be for everyone. I’m going to lay out the case for potential benefits of Ketosis. If it sounds interesting and beneficial to you, then consider trying it. (see our free cheat sheet to help you). What is Ketosis Ketosis occurs when liver glycogen gets depleted and the body burns fatty acids for fuel. The primary driver of this state is a very low carbohydrate intake. Often, it also requires a low protein, higher fat intake. You can also achieve a state of ketosis by not eating altogether. The creation of ketones is a byproduct of this metabolic state. Ketones are a source of fuel, just as glucose is a source of fuel. Ketones tend to have some added benefits, though. What role does Ketosis play in human health? Ketosis allows our bodies to function in the absence of carbohydrates, both physically and mentally. Instead of burning carbohydrates, or converting protein to glucose, the body burns ketones. This is pretty much a survival mechanism. It allows your body to function in a state of caloric deprivation. This is why ketosis often gets bad press (as it’s linked to “starvation”). Being a survival mechanism doesn’t make it invalid as a strategy, though. There can still be potential benefits to be had. Let’s cover a few of them… Ketosis and Accelerated Fat Loss Being in ketosis Continue reading >>
Quick Start Keto
Low carbers know ketosis is the superhero of fat-burning. But what is ketosis? And how do you get into ketosis quickly? Keto FAQs and why it makes a difference in fat loss. 6 techniques to get into ketosis fast 3-Day rapid reach ketosis technique Try a few rapid keto techniques and eat specific low carb keto foods. Our quick start guide covers everything you need to reach ketosis fast. If carbs are limited to small amounts in your diet, your body relies on fat for energy. When you reach ketosis, fat burns rapidly and muscle tissue is spared. Why Does Keto Burn Fat Faster? To get into ketosis you’ll avoid sugar, leading to low insulin levels. Low insulin curbs hunger and accelerates fat-burning. Metabolizing fat and producing ketones burns more energy than metabolizing carbs. The result is a much higher calorie burn. How Do I Reach Ketosis? Ketosis happens when carbs are very low – usually when eating 20 to 50 grams of net carbs or less per day. (Carb grams from fiber are NOT counted in daily totals.) Everyone is different. Some low carbers must eat very low carb to reach ketosis. Typical Keto Ratio Getting into ketosis requires eating meals that are high in healthy fats and low in carbs. Protein grams should not exceed 20 % of total daily calories. Keto Calculator This free online keto calculator determines your ideal nutrient ratio for weight loss or maintenance during ketosis. The keto calculator recommends the optimum daily calories, fat, carb and protein amounts to help you get into ketosis – and meet your weight loss goal. How to Know You’re in Ketosis Keto Symptoms During keto, low carbers experience bursts of energy and heightened mood – just two of the big benefits of ketosis. Some dieters notice a temporary, sweet taste in the mouth or a mild, sweet b Continue reading >>
Yes, You Can Get Into Ketosis Even If You're Vegan. Here's How
One of the most interesting panels at this year's revitalize, mbg's exclusive event in the Arizona desert (think TED but with a lot more yoga and probiotics), was a discussion on intermittent fasting and ketosis, two buzzwords just beginning to become familiar in the health world. Mention a ketogenic diet, and those who are familiar typically picture something similar to a high-fat paleo diet, heavy in animal protein and plant and animal fat. Because of this, panelist Carrie Diulus, M.D., made waves when she detailed using intermittent fasting and ketosis to maintain an almost 100-pound weight loss and manage her type 1 diabetes. Oh—and she does it all while being plant-based. Fascinated (and filled with questions!), we caught up with her after the panel to learn more. CD: I stopped eating meat because I thought it was healthier when I was 12, and I was vegan/vegetarian for about two decades. During my 20s, this resulted in me eating mostly processed junk, which resulted in me weighing 100 pounds more than I do now. I started medical school and lost the weight eating a calorie-restricted, low-fat, mostly vegan diet. During my orthopedic residency, I started eating meat again. I gained 60 pounds with each of my pregnancies and lost the weight (again!) eating low-fat vegan and exercising. My diet at the time wasn't healthy for me; it was super carb heavy even though I wasn't eating many processed foods. My health declined and I was gaining substantial weight. Eventually, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and started eating a low-carb diet with meat to keep my insulin steady and blood sugar balanced. This worked nominally well for a while, but I never felt really, really great. Finally, I went back to being vegan but stayed keto. I've never felt better in my life, and Continue reading >>
How To Get Into Ketosis Faster On A Low Carb Diet
This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links. We may earn money from purchases made through links mentioned in this post, but all opinions are our own. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliates sites. Want to be a fat-burning machine without having to count calories? Here’s a few ideas on how to get into ketosis faster on a low carb diet. Do you want to look leaner for bikini season? Yoga pants starting to feel a little tighter? One way to burn fat fast is to go on a ketogenic diet. The physiological process of burning stored fat instead of sugar, can be achieved within a short amount of time after following a strict keto diet. It is possible to get there in a day. In fact, some people show you how to get into ketosis, this fat burning state, in 24 hours. Do you need to fast? Becoming keto adapted where the body burns fat rather than sugar isn’t as hard as you might think. And, you don’t have to starve yourself to get there quickly. The great news for those who want to know how to get into ketosis faster is, well … you don’t have to fast. Fasting has been used for thousands of years by virtually every religion and traditional society. There are some people who think that a complete fast (not just intermittent fasting) is a way to get into ketosis faster. But the great thing about following a ketogenic diet is that you can eat until your heart—er, stomach—is content. You just have to eat enough of the right foods. And, of course, eat very little of the wrong foods. Is getting into ketosis safe without a doctor? Before reviewing how to get into ketosis quickly, let’s take a look at a quick background: T Continue reading >>
5 Simple Steps To Get Into Ketosis
I think almost everyone agrees with me when I say that the ketogenic diet is probably one of the most complex and difficult eating plans out there. Even when you’re not on a diet or trying to lose weight you still have to bring a lot of attention to detail. Getting into ketosis isn’t as important as we would think, but there are still 5 simple steps we can make to get into a ketotic state. What Needs to Happen The conditions of nutritional ketosis are: Low blood sugar levels (about <85 mg/dl) Low insulin And because of that there are going to be: Higher glucagon, which is released by the liver, in response to low insulin, to increase the amount of fatty acids in the blood stream. High serum blood ketone levels, with the optimal zone being in between 0.5 and 3.0 mMols. Here are the 5 simple steps to get into ketosis. Step #1 Do a 24-Hour Fast Ketosis is the by-product of a prolonged period of fasting. After your liver glycogen stores have been depleted already after an overnight fast, the liver then begins to create more ketone bodies. After 2-3 days of fasting, you’ll be definitely in ketosis. Your brain will adapt to using ketone bodies and gets about 75% of its energy from fat. Overall, the body’s glucose demands and protein catabolism get reduced to a bare minimum. However, to get into ketosis we don’t necessarily have to abstain from eating that long. We’re already in mild ketosis in the morning and doing a 24-hour fast will increase our ketogenic pathways by a significant amount. Step #2 Start Eating Low Carb Ketogenic Meals Once you finish your 24-hours, you can start eating keto foods. Make your first meal something extremely ketogenic, meaning: Ultra-low carbs – cruciferous vegetables, like spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, chard. Your Continue reading >>
How Long Does It Take To Get Into Ketosis
For those of you interested in the Keto Diet, you may be wondering how long it takes to get into ketosis. Since burning fat and losing pounds is on your mind, while doing the Ketogenic Diet, this is essential information. So, how long does it take to get into ketosis? If you are new to the Ketogenic Diet, I highly suggest you start with this article: Simple Way to Start the Ketogenic Diet to understand how this diet works and the best way to start it when you are brand new. Know What Ketosis Is To know when you’re in Ketosis, you need to know what it is. To keep it simple, it’s a metabolic state in which your body gets in. Your body starts getting its energy from ketones in the blood. This is the opposite of the body’s normal glycoses state. Knowing what ketosis is can help you recognize when your body hits that stage. Ketosis Takes Some Time Most people that are trying to get into the ketosis state are switching their diet over completely. It can take anywhere from a month to six weeks for your body to get into this metabolic state. If you are already switching over from a healthy diet, it can take up to a week. Signs You Know It Is Working Now that you know what ketosis is and how long it can take, you need to know when it is working. In your mind, you may be a little impatient looking for these signs of ketosis. I wanted to break down how you will know it is working. One major sign is that your sugar cravings are going down. Keep in mind that you can’t do the Keto diet on and off. You will only see these successful aspects if you stick with it. Fat burning from Ketosis comes from a severe commitment. When you are in ketosis, you will have less urination at night, feel less hungry, feel more satisfied after you’ve eaten, and you may even feel more focused. M Continue reading >>
Keep Yourself In Ketosis
When talking about a Grain Brain lifestyle, and the very similar ketogenic diet, it’s frequently mentioned that we are aiming to keep our bodies in ketosis. However, if you’re new to my work, it may be that you’re not exactly sure what ketosis is, or why we should be worrying about getting our body into this state. Allow me to explain. Ketones are a special type of fat that can stimulate the pathways that enhance the growth of new neural networks in the brain. A ketogenic diet is one that is high in fats, and this diet has been a tool of researchers for years, used notably in a 2005 study on Parkinson’s patients finding an improvement in symptoms after just 28 days. The improvements were on par with those made possible via medication and brain surgery. Other research has shown the ketogenic diet to be remarkably effective in treating some forms of epilepsy, and even brain tumors. Ketones do more than just that though. They increase glutathione, a powerful, brain-protective antioxidant. Ketones facilitate the production of mitochondria, one of the most important actors in the coordinated production that is the human body. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Our bodies are said to enter ketosis at the point when blood sugar levels are low and liver glycogen are no longer available to produce glucose as a fuel for cellular energy production. At this point, not only is the body doing the natural thing, and burning off fat, it’s also powering up the brain with a super efficient fuel. We can jump start ourselves into ketosis with a brief fast, allowing our body to quickly burn through the carbs that are in our system, and turn to fat for fuel. A ketogenic diet is one that derives around 80% or more of of its calories from fat, and the rest from carbs and prote Continue reading >>
How To Get Into Ketosis In Less Than 3 Days
Do you need to get into ketosis super fast? Don't think you can handle the deprivation and hunger of a water fast? The good news is that you don't have to. You can rev up your metabolism, escape hunger, and be on your way to fat burning in one or two days! All it takes is a ketogenic diet that is lower in carbs than standard keto. This will cut your cravings to the bone and switch you from a glucose burning metabolism to burning fat faster than anything else! Ketogenic diets work by reducing basal insulin levels, lowering blood triglycerides, and setting up conditions that will move you into the state of nutritional ketosis. Getting into ketosis is important because when the body produces ketones, your hunger level goes down, your energy goes up, and you experience a state of well-being. All of these benefits will make it easier for you to stick to your low-carb diet plan. On a typical keto diet, it takes 3 to 5 days to enter into the state of ketosis. But how quickly you do that depends on how many carbohydrates you were eating per day before you started restricting them. In addition, if you're looking for the urine testing strips to change colors right now, that only occurs once ketosis is well under way. Most low-carb diets start you off at 20 to 30 net carbs. Atkins 20 and the Reddit version of Keto begin at 20 net carbs, and the Protein Power Lifeplan begins at 30. These amounts are low enough to get the job done within a few days. If you're coming from a carb-heavy diet, it might take a little longer to switch metabolic pathways than if you're merely switching from a low-calorie plan to Atkins, Keto, or LCHF. However, there is a much quicker method that you can use right now instead of these standard Keto diets. The quick-start method I'm going to share with you i Continue reading >>
How Long Does It Take To Get Into Ketosis?
Switching to a Ketogenic diet can be exciting, and you may be wondering how long it will be before you can expect to see results or ask “how long does it take to get into Ketosis?” This is perfectly normal, and almost everyone wonders the same thing when they switch to a low carb, high fat diet. The truth is, there is no one size fits all answer; it really does depend on who you are, what you eat, and how long it takes for your body to adjust. The good news is, for most people, this change takes place within a few days or weeks. Keep reading to find out how you can improve your body’s efficiency, and learn how to stay in Ketosis for the long-term. After all, it’s easier to stay in Ketosis once you’re there. How Do I Get into Ketosis? To answer your question of “how long does it take to get into Ketosis,” you must first ask “what is Ketosis” and “how do I get into Ketosis?” Let’s get started: Ketosis is a metabolic process and describes when the body uses fat for fuel. This occurs when there is a lack of glucose. As we generally eat a high carb, high sugar diet in the Western world, most people never enter Ketosis. Just because you lose weight does not mean you are in Ketosis, either, it just means you are eating a calorie deficient. When you switch to a low-carb diet and restrict your glucose, you might experience the Keto flu; these symptoms are your body learning to use fat as fuel, and signaling there is a change. For most people, this is a welcome change, but for other people, the transition takes a few weeks. It can even take a few people months to get into Ketosis, but this is usually because they are not following a strict Ketogenic diet. To get into Ketosis, you must: Eat less than 20g of carbs per day Restrict your intake of protein and Continue reading >>
8 Tips And Tricks For How To Get Into Ketosis Fast
Ketosis is a natural biological process that plays a key role in health. The process has become particularly relevant in a specific type of diet known as a ketosis diet or a ketogenic diet, which is powerful for weight loss. While your body is in ketosis it relies on fat as the main source of energy by first converting it to compounds known as ketones. The ketones themselves are thought to help suppress the appetite and may be a key reason why the diet approach helps with weight loss (1,2). There are a number of different signs that you are in ketosis and ketogenic diets rely on these and your diet patterns to keep you in ketosis. But, if you’re going to rely on ketosis, then you have to figure out how to get into ketosis fast – and stay there. Achieving that is absolutely critical to get the health benefits of ketosis and to lose weight. More than anything, your carb intake influences whether or not you are in ketosis. This is true when you are first trying to reach ketosis and also as you are trying to stay there. The reason for this is that the body preferentially uses glucose as its main source of energy. This glucose comes from the carbs that you eat. So, when you are consuming carbs regularly, your body tends to use these as the main source of fuel. However, if you dramatically decrease your carbs, then your body is forced to switch to other fuel sources. Specifically, this results in the production of ketone bodies, which then act as fuel (3,4). To decrease your carb intake, you can rely on low carb vegetables and fruits, as well as recipes specifically designed for low carb or ketosis diets. For example, the following lists are great places to begin. Now, the precise number of carbs that you can consume and remain in ketosis varies from one person to the nex Continue reading >>
How To Get Into Ketosis Faster.
The shift from burning glucose to fat takes a long time. It depends on the individual and their degree of carbohydrate tolerance. Usually, the initial adaptation period will last about 2-3 weeks. There is also a way to get into ketosis fast within a few days. To get into ketosis several things have to be met. We need to have lower blood sugar and insulin levels for an extended period of time. Once insulin has been suppressed for some time, the pancreas will release its counter-hormone called glucagon. Its job is to deplete the liver glycogen stores and increase the fatty acid concentration in the blood stream. This will also lead to the production of ketone bodies by the liver. To satisfy its extremely high energy demands, the brain will begin to utilize fat for fuel. For this to happen, we have to either: Fast for a prolonged amount of time. Restrict our carbohydrate intake to a bare minimum. Both options are very effective ways of inducing ketosis. However, those two things aren’t always enough. Someone who is burning sugar may not ever be able to get into ketosis, despite following the guidelines. The body is just too addicted to sugar and enters an energy crisis. To provide energy for the brain and body, it is necessary to have a substitute for glucose. If you want to become fat adapted, then you have to promote the production of ketone bodies as well. Ketones are the third fuel source and are above glucose and even fatty acids. The outcome of burning the ketone body acetoacetate in the Krebs cycle creates 2 additional ketone molecules. Beta-hydroxybutyrate and acetone can create 25% more energy than pyruvate (sugar). This means that to get into ketosis faster we have to assist our body in producing more ketone bodies. To do that, we would have to consume fat that Continue reading >>
Ketogenic Diet Faq
With all the new people finding, switching, and transitioning into a low carb diet, I figured it was about time I put together an FAQ on all the common questions that are asked when someone is starting out. I don’t go too in depth in the answers, but I tried to give a direct answer and then link to a more in depth article on the topic to help you fully understand it. If you have any other questions you’d like to be added, changed, or are unsure about – please feel free to leave a comment below so I can fully explain, or make changes to the answers on this page. Best wishes, and to all the new people out there – good luck and happy dieting! Frequently Asked Questions Click any of the questions below and it will take you to the answer. How Long Does It Take To Get Into Ketosis? A ketogenic diet is not a diet that you can whimfully choose to go on and off of at any point. It takes time for your body to adjust and go into a state known as ketosis. This process? Anywhere from 2 – 7 days, depending on your body type, activity levels, and what you’re eating. The fastest way to get into ketosis is to exercise on an empty stomach, restrict your carbohydrate intake to 20g or less per day, and be vigilant with your water intake. To improve the rate at which you enter ketosis, there is a method called Fat Fasting. I’ve written an article on Fat Fasting on a Ketogenic Diet and everything involved with it. Make sure that if you use this method, it is only for a few days, otherwise it can bring harm to you. Where Can I Find Low Carb Recipes? Everywhere on the internet! There’s recipes on almost every health website nowadays, and a quick Google of what you want will definitely help you out. You can even convert high carb recipes that use sugar or fruits in them to low c Continue reading >>
What Everybody Ought To Know About Ketosis
Recently I wanted to explore the world of Ketosis. I thought I knew a little bit about ketosis, but after doing some research I soon realised how wrong I was. 3 months later, after reading numerous books, listening to countless podcasts and experimenting with various diets I know have a sound understanding of ketosis. This resource is built as a reference guide for those looking to explore the fascinating world of ketosis. It is a resource that I wish I had 3 months ago. As you will soon see, a lot of the content below is not mine, instead I have linked to referenced to experts who have a greater understanding of this topic than I ever will. I hope this helps and if there is something that I have missed please leave a comment below so that I can update this. Also, as this is a rather long document, I have split it into various sections. You can click the headline below to be sent straight to the section that interests you. For those that are really time poor I have created a useful ketosis cheat sheet guide. This guide covers all the essential information you should know about ketosis. It can be downloaded HERE. Alternatively, if you're looking for a natural and sustainable way to improve health and lose weight head to this page - What is Ketosis? What Are The Benefits from being in Ketosis? Isn’t Ketosis Dangerous? Ketoacidosis vs Ketosis What Is The Difference Between a Low Carb Diet and a Ketogenic Diet? Types of Ketosis: The Difference Between Nutritional, Therapeutic & MCT Ketogenic Diets Is The Ketogenic Diet Safe? Long Term Effects Thyroid and Ketosis - What You May Want To Know What is a Typical Diet/Macro Breakdown for a Ketogenic Diet? Do I Need to Eat Carbs? What do I Eat On a Ketogenic Diet? What Do I Avoid Eating on a Ketogenic Diet? Protein Consumption a Continue reading >>
Your 3 Day Keto Kickstart And Menu Plan
So I’m writing this post today as much for me as I am for you. As some of you know, I’ve been doing the low carb and gluten free thing for 2 years now, with great success. Over the Summer though, I got a little lax and the weight started creeping on. I got serious for a bit, then lax again, then serious, then lax, etc. Since then I’ve been gaining and losing the same 12 pounds for about 6 months – a cycle I really, really need to break. In the last couple of months the situation has reached Defcon levels, because the 12 pounds has grown to about 18. This is UNACCEPTABLE, people!!! I need to start walking the walk, not just talking the talk! So I’m buckling down, getting serious, and hitting the Keto HARD from now on. I’m guessing many of you are in a similar situation, since blog traffic has about doubled since January 1st! So I thought I’d share some of my tips for getting into ketosis in three days or less. Then we can rock the low carb thing together and lose the weight for good! Some of you may be new to low carb eating, and whether you are following Atkins, Keto, or another low carb plan, there are a few basic things you should know. The following are some things that I’ve found to be true by my own experience with low carb/keto dieting: The IBIH Keys to Success on Keto… 1. Eat less than 20g net carbs per day if you want to get into ketosis. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber grams (or sugar alcohols in some cases) from the total carb grams. Don’t guess – you’d be surprised how many grams of carbs there are in things you might have considered “free” like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and kale, just to name a few. 2. Purchase some ketostix – they aren’t expensive and you can even cut them in half to get double the strips. S Continue reading >>
How To Get Into Ketosis
Below you’ll find an exact, 5 Day Plan to Get in Ketosis Fast. Note: it is highly likely you’ll be in Ketosis much faster than 5 days… stick to the 5 day plan either way. Skip stuff and jump right to the plan. If you’ve read about the Keto Diet and are interested in getting into Ketosis quickly, this post will help you understand exactly what you can do to get into Ketosis. If you’re unsure about what the Keto Diet is read this first. The first time attempting the Keto Diet I hated it. I got the “carb flu” and felt off. I was tired (I don’t often feel tired) and my stomach was (rolling / gurgling / angry) the whole time. I lasted one week for my first attempt and I felt miserable! I decided it’s Paleo or nothing. THEN I read Tim Ferris’ “Tools of Titans” when it first came out. The first section of the book… it felt like an informercial for Ketosis. It was compelling. I needed to try again but this time research a lot more than I had the first time. After reading countless blog posts and researching methods and what is actually taking place in your body while in Ketosis, I was excited to try again. One of the things I was excited to try when I got into Ketosis was holding my breath. I tested before I started the Keto Diet and I could hold my breath for one minute and nine seconds. After I was in Ketosis I laid down on the couch, did a brief breathing exercise (I had not practiced previously) and was able to hold my breath for over 2 minutes! It was really my whole goal in attempting to get into Ketosis to see if that whole hold your breath thing was real. For me, it was. It also helped that during our PaleoFX panels we learned Keto is becoming the norm. I had enough experiences tell me, DO IT, ROB! GO ALL IN! Do it for your health, test it out Continue reading >>
