The ketogenic diet not only helps a person to loose weight but also has some other health benefits as well. Just like any diet, the ketogenic diet can make it difficult to know if you've hit that 'sweet spot'. There are several ways to tell that you have hit the 'sweet spot' with the keto diet.
What is Ketosis?
Normally, our body gets energy from the glucose (or sugars) in our blood. Ketosis is when your body shifts to getting its energy from the ketones in the blood instead.
What Causes Ketosis?
Ketosis happens when the body starts metabolizing fats really fast and changes the acids in the fats into ketones.
The Transition
Just like many other diets, the keto diet has a transition period. During this period you may feel sluggish, easily distracted, and generally fatigued. The easiest way you can help your body achieve ketosis is to drink lots of water.
Signs of Ketosis
Weight Loss
When your body enters ketosis you will experience a rapid weight loss but, that initial weight loss isn’t the burning of fat. The burning of fat and continuing weight loss happens after your continue to follow the keto diet.
Change in Appetite
When following a keto diet it is common for a person to completely change their eating habits. While they still feel hungry, it is only when their body truly needs to eat. The healthy fats used in the keto diet become very filling for the body and, the time between meals increases.
Increased Energy and Focus
By following a keto diet your body won’t hit that afternoon wall anymore because your body is now using the fat you eat as its energy source. Not only does your body now have a great source of energy but, now your body has what may feel like an endless amount of fuel which it uses for your brain. The extra fuel allows you to feel more focused during the day.
Possible Digestive Issues
The change in the types of foods you are consuming can possibly change your bathroom habits. There are typically three types of reactions your body may have: Diarrhea, Constipation or no change at all.
Bad Breath
Having bad breath while in a state of ketosis is almost inevitable. Part of the keto diet is your body producing acetone. This acetone is only excreted from the body two ways: through your breath and urine. Thankfully, you will really only notice it when you first wake up in the morning. Just by brushing your teeth you will be able to get rid of it. If you are worried that your bad breath may pop up during the day you can chew sugar free gum to keep it at bay.
Everyone is Different
As with almost everything else, it is important to remember that every person is different. It can take a varying amount of time for each person’s body to reach ketosis. Each person’s signs can be different as well. The amount of carbs and exercise each person needs to feel at the top of their game will vary too.
The Benefits
The two main benefits of entering ketosis are being able to better control your blood sugars and lowering your cholesterol. The added energy, focus, and weight loss are big benefits as well.
Important Information
If you are following any type of ketogenic diet properly your body will be in some form of ketosis. It is important to make sure that you are in a safe form of ketosis.
The best way to keep tabs on your body is to monitor your ketones weekly either by doing a blood or urine test.
Once your body has entered ketosis and adjusted, you should be feeling the best you have in a long time (if ever). By remaining in a safe zone of ketosis you should continue to see the many benefits of ketosis. Remember to monitor your ketone levels making sure that you are staying in a safe range of ketosis. If something doesn’t feel right or like it used to, remember to check in with your doctor.
