Ketosis: what it is, why its good for you and how to get into Ketosis. With links to additional information on the Ketogenic diet and allowed foods.
First, what is Ketosis?
Ketosis is the state in which your body breaks down fats for energy instead of the typical primary energy source of sugars and carbohydrates.
Looking for more info? Check out this full overview of the Ketogenic Diet, history and lifestyle.
And why would you want to enter Ketosis?
Ketosis means that your body is processing fat reserves for energy which can lead to weight loss.
Additionally, ketogenic style diets can lead to stabilized blood glucose levels. There’s additional research being done on the ketogenic’s benefits to other health issues like metabolic syndrome.
You can find out more here.
How to get into Ketosis?
The average healthy person can reach Ketosis either by fasting or eating less than 50 grams of carbs per day for 3-4 days.
The ketogenic diet, however, suggests an even lower number of carbs: 5% of a 2,000 calorie diet would be 25 grams. Other low carb diets tend to suggest 50 grams of carbs per day.
Find a list of approved Keto Foods and a List of Foods to Avoid here.
Curious if popcorn is allowed on the Ketogenic diet?
How can you measure whether you’re in Ketosis?
You can measure whether you are in Ketosis through a number of ketones in your blood. They sell Ketone strips online that will test for Ketones if you would like to be sure you are in Ketosis.
Considerations
A ketogenic diet is very different from the typical American diet. If you are eating lots of sugars and carbs, the transition could be difficult. Sugar can be more addicting than cocaine and heroin.
That doesn’t mean you should avoid reducing sugar and carb from your diet. If anything, it should encourage you to do it sooner! However, be gentle with yourself and allow yourself time to adjust.
Your taste buds will also need to change. For example, I used to eat tons of standard sweets and icecreams. If I were to eat one of those right now, however, I would cringe because it would taste overly sweet. My taste buds have adapted to a healthier diet.
Yours will too! you just have to give it some time 🙂
How to get into Ketosis
- review the ketogenic diet food list
- evaluate how many carbs and processed sugars you are eating now
- If you eat a lot of carbohydrates, make a plan to slowly cut down over 2-3 weeks to reduce withdrawals
- reduce Carbohydrates to less than 50 grams of carbs per day for at least 3-4 days.
- test your ketones to confirm you are in Ketosis (optional)
Sharing is Caring – Pin for Later and for your Friends to Find!
[…] when we fast or eat low sugar and low carb foods.How do you get into Ketosis? -> Read more here about what to do to reach […]