probably a stupid question but, ....

[cheertiff710]

I keep reading about people knowing when they are going in and out of ketosis. does that just mean losing pounds? I'm really confused. please help. thanks

[clogger]

Hi cheertiff710! Ketosis is a state in which your body is burning fat for energy rather than glucose. That is the purpose of limiting carbs to 20 when on induction. Once your body burns off the glucose stores (from high levels of carb intake), a proces which usually takes around 48 hours or so, it switches to burning fat for fuel. When the body is burning fat for energy it expels ketone bodies in the urine and breath. That is why some people use Ketostix to test their urine. If the stick changes color it is "proof positive" that one is in ketosis. You'll also hear people say their breath has a certain odor when in ketosis which is "proof positive" to me. I'm not able to instinctively tell if I am in ketosis or not ~ I need to use the strips.

Here's a link to more info.

Hope that helps!

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by cheertiff710

I keep reading about people knowing when they are going in and out of ketosis. does that just mean losing pounds? I'm really confused. please help. thanks

Hi....for me, I can feel the transition....sort of.

If I eat something sugary, I can really feel the sugar rush and fatigue at an exaggerated level. Hence - I can tell if I'm leaving ketosis.

However, I know when I've enterred Ketosis because I tend to get the "Atkins Flu" - a day or two day hypoglycemic state that is pretty uncomfortable. When Ketosis kicks in you kind of feel like superman. I remember once it happened in the middle of the night. I woke up w/so much energy it was ridiculous.

Another noticeable sign is hunger. Being in Ketosis, I, like others, have incredible control over my appetite. Out of ketosis - well - I can binge if I'm not disciplined.

I can't tell you that I feel it perfectly - but it does make a difference. Of course, the only verifying method are the Ketostix-ish urinalysis strips.