“How do I know if keto diet is working?” This is a question I ask myself a lot.
I’ve been eating keto as my way of life for the past 6 years. . . with PLENTY of cheat days in between. . . So trust me when I say if keto diet is working, that I know the difference in my body being inside ketosis and outside of it. And it goes WAY BEYOND WEIGHTLOSS!
Keto For Life – Why I Can’t Go Back
If keto was just about weight loss, my weight would be down to virtually nothing because I’ve been doing it for 6 years. . . But even when I achieve my ideal weight, I’m too addicted to feeling healthy, energetic, balanced, and fulfilled.
I did get down to my ideal weight, I looked insanely good! Then I got pregnant TWICE in the past 6 years, and my babies were strong and healthy, and I gained a lot of weight each time from it. so this is my 3rd time using keto for weight loss.
So let me share with you my favorite signs of being in ketosis, and then we’ll talk about the technical sides of keto.
P.S Do You Need Recipes? Grab These 3 Recipe Books For Keto While They Are Free!
Do You Know How It Feels To Live Without Inflammation?
This is my number one reason for going keto. Most people suffer from chronic inflammation, and don’t even know it.
How do I know this? Because studies have shown that white sugar/corn syrup etc. cause an inflammatory response in basically every single person’s cells. . . Modern grains are shown to do the same thing as well. So how many days in your lifetime have you gone without ANY SUGAR OR GRAINS? From the moment you started eating till now? Probably not very many, if ever.
This means what you think your normal body feels like, might not actually be what it should feel like.
Sign Number One# Thin Face
Check out your face. Is it thinner? less pudgy? more defined? If you’ve been keto for a week or more, find a selfie of just your face before keto and compare it to your face now. You may not have lost a lot of weight, but if you are in ketosis, your inflammation has gone down. Can You See It? (feel free to share the side by side comparisons in the comments below)
Sign Number Two: Forget To Eat Breakfast
Are you still waking up famished? If so, you might not be in ketosis yet. When our body is in keto, it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose (carbs). We can only hold a certain amount of glucose in our bodies, and when it runs out, our body signals us with hunger cues that it’s time to replenish our energy supply. But when we are in ketosis, our energy supply is the fat that is in our body. . . which for me seems like an unending supply! You’re body won’t send hunger cues like you are used to anymore. . . But you’re stomach still likes having food in it, so you’ll still get the “empty stomach feeling”.
Sign Number Three: “Life Is Good” Attitude
Getting rid of all the inflammation, can really make your cells do their happy dance! I found myself feeling a weird overabundance of love for my family, for life, for food, for work. . . Everything, and life hadn’t really given me any special reason to feel this way. . . Just a healthy body.
On the flip side, If have too many cheat days in a row, my cranky self starts showing up again. . . I used to think that was just who I was, now I know it’s my cells wanting the nutrients that it couldn’t get while being inflamed.
Sign Number Four: Slump-less Days
Energy on keto is steady. There is no spike or slum on insulin so you can go throughout the whole day with the exact same energy level. I have gone on hikes, spent the whole day walking around theme parks, or going on history tours. . . And can walk out of that experience with the same energy I walked into it with. No exhaustion like my companions have.
Sign Number Five: Clear Skin
I stopped wearing concealer. Even as an adult I would break out with acne. . . Especially in a monthly cycle. . . But that completely disappeared.
These are my own personal experiences, on how I know when I am in ketosis.
The Easiest way to know, is to track it with this ketones meter (you can get here).
I also found that everyone has a different number of days it takes to get into keto. Mine is 13 days. I highly recommend tracking your weight daily, which is why you should pick up my free 14 day tracker. Plus it adds you to my email list where I share other insights about keto and other health and fitness related content. (in the side bar). And make sure to pick up some good recipes for FREE!
Explanation and in depth indicators of the keto diet for beginners.
The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, has gained immense popularity in recent years for its potential benefits in weight loss and overall health improvement. By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat consumption, the body is pushed into a state of ketosis, where it starts burning fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. In this blog post, we will explore the indicators that can help you determine whether the keto diet is working effectively for your body.
Understanding the Keto Diet
Before diving into the signs of progress, let’s briefly understand the core principles of the keto diet. The primary goal is to achieve ketosis, where the liver produces ketones from fats to provide energy for the body. By significantly reducing carbs and moderating protein intake, the body shifts its metabolism, making it a fat-burning machine.
Initial Indicators Of If Keto Diet Is Working
When starting the keto diet, you may notice some immediate changes in your body. If keto diet is working, you’ll see the most common indicators include weight loss, increased energy levels, and reduced cravings for sugary or starchy foods. Additionally, many individuals report improved mental clarity and focus, which can be a significant benefit for those seeking better cognitive performance.
Tracking Progress and Monitoring
Keeping track of your progress is essential in determining the effectiveness of the keto diet. There are several methods to monitor changes, such as taking regular body measurements, comparing before-and-after photos, and maintaining a food journal to record your daily intake. Consistency and accuracy are crucial for reliable results.
Common Signs of Ketosis
Entering ketosis is a key milestone for successful keto dieting. Increased ketone levels in the blood are a clear indication that your body has achieved ketosis. Other signs include reduced appetite and a sense of mental clarity. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects, such as the “keto flu,” which may manifest as fatigue, headaches, or irritability during the initial transition. Staying hydrated, ensuring adequate electrolyte intake, and gradually easing into the diet can help manage these symptoms.
Assessing Overall Health Benefits
Beyond weight loss, the keto diet has been associated with various health benefits. Some individuals experience improved blood sugar control, making it an attractive option for those with diabetes or insulin resistance. Additionally, studies suggest that the diet may help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting individuals with certain inflammatory conditions.
Plateaus and Adjustments
If keto diet is working, it can yield impressive results, it’s not uncommon to encounter weight loss plateaus. If you find yourself stuck at a certain weight, don’t be discouraged. Consider adjusting your macros or caloric intake to reignite your progress. Remember that each body is unique, and finding the right balance may require some trial and error.
The keto diet can be a transformative journey toward improved health and well-being. By paying attention to the signs of progress and consulting with healthcare professionals, you can ensure that the keto diet is working optimally for your body. Remember to listen to your body, make necessary adjustments, and celebrate the positive changes you experience along the way. The keto diet may not be for everyone, but for those who find success with it, it can be a powerful tool on the path to a healthier lifestyle.
