Ketosis: Advantaged or Misunderstood State? (Part I)

In part I of this post I will see to it (assuming you read it) that you’ll know more about ketosis than just about anyone, including your doctor or the majority of “experts” out there writing about this topic.

 Ketosis – advantaged or misunderstood state? (Part II)

Ok, if you’re still reading this, give yourself a pat on the back. This was a bit of chemistry tour de force. Why did I do it? Well, frankly, I’m tired of reading so much nonsense on this topic. Everybody with a WordPress account (and countless people without) feels entitled to spew their opinions about ketosis without even the slightest clue of what they are talking about. As I said in part I of this series, there is no bumper sticker way to address this question, so to say ketosis is “good” or “bad” without getting into the details is as useful as a warm bucket of hamster vomit (unless you’re Daniel Tosh, in which case I bet you can find a great use for it).

Nutritional Ketosis

The term ketosis refers to a byproduct of the breakdown of fat into useable energy, called ketone bodies, or ketones for short. This fat can be derived directly from a diet (i.e. nutritional ketosis) or from fat stores of the body. Ketosis caused by diet is referred to as “nutritional ketosis”. Ketones are used directly by the body to power itself.

How Long Does it Take to Get Into Ketosis and Keto-Adapt?

Interestingly, while ketosis is said to be an evolutionary adaptation that allows organisms to survive under conditions of low food availability, newer research is showing that ketones have several diverse and impressive biological roles in the body, and many health benefits. They’re more than just an energy source.

Ketosis is a metabolic state that can help you shed fat fast — here's how to reach it

However, it's not always easy to enter ketosis. And your body won't immediately reach this fat-burning state after a day of cutting carbohydrates. It takes time, and it may be difficult to know when you've reached that point. Here are some tips to help you know when you've reached ketosis and how to get there a little faster.

Ketosis – What Is Ketosis? How To Get There Safely

Generally it takes healthy individuals up to a week to achieve ketosis. But good news – there’s ways you can speed up that process so you can get in to ketosis, faster.

Killing it with Keto? (be sure to do these 3 things!)

In essence then, ketosis is burning fat for a primary energy source instead of glucose (carbs). Or, as Nora Gedgaudas, author of Primal Body, Primal Mind suggests, it is like the difference between the slow, steady burn of logs on a fire (burning fat for energy – ketosis) versus the short, hot burn of kindling (burning carbs for energy).

Not Losing as Much Weight as You'd Like on the Keto Diet? This Could Be the Reason

If you recently started the keto diet and feel like you aren't losing weight, first make sure you're eating the appropriate amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Second, make sure that you're in a state of nutritional ketosis by measuring your blood ketone levels. If you recently started the keto diet and feel like you aren't losing weight, first make sure you're eating the appropriate amounts of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Second, make sure that you're in a state of nutritional ketosis by measuring your blood ketone levels.

Sorry, keto fans, you’re probably not in ketosis

“It’s not so easy to get an adult body into ketosis,” says Teresa Fung, a professor of nutrition at Simmons College.

The Healthy KetoTM Diet for Beginners: Your Quick Start Guide

There are lots of guides about the keto diet for beginners, but here's what makes this one different: You'll discover Healthy KetosisTM.

The Science Behind Ketogenic Diets, Or Why We Get Fat And What To Do About It

Ketosis is slow to establish but very quick to turn off – a phenomenon scientists call hysteresis.

This Is What Happens to Your Body if You Eat Almost No Carbs

You might want to read this before you decide to start living off of butter, bacon, and bourbon.

Why Am I Not In Ketosis?

The reason you aren’t entering ketosis—the reason you aren’t burning fat and producing ketones—may be hiding in plain sight. It just takes a little detective work to discover it.

Why Am I Not in Ketosis? What to Do If Not in Ketosis

Remember that it can often take 3-6 weeks, or even longer, for some individuals to make the metabolic transition from being a sugar-burner to fat-burner.

Why You Are Not Achieving Ketosis

If you are struggling to get into ketosis even though you’ve restricted your carbohydrate intake and are eating lots of healthy fat, it may be time to look at some other factors. Try to reduce your stress levels, get enough sleep, and take a look at how much protein you are consuming. With a little troubleshooting, you will be on your way to achieving ketosis before you know it.