Testing for ketones to see if losing fat?

MehiraDeOro

Hello, so I've used them for about 3 days, the first day was negative but then the 2nd and 3rd days have been between trace and small amounts, I figured it's good enough. I do know that it can also be a sign of diabetes so I'm getting a blood test for it this week just in case.

I was curious if anyone has used ketone strips (also used by diabetics) for a guideline to see if you're losing fat and not muscle mass?

Acg67

Hello, so I've used them for about 3 days, the first day was negative but then the 2nd and 3rd days have been between trace and small amounts, I figured it's good enough. I do know that it can also be a sign of diabetes so I'm getting a blood test for it this week just in case.

I was curious if anyone has used ketone strips (also used by diabetics) for a guideline to see if you're losing fat and not muscle mass?

Oh boy...

You do know you can be in ketosis and lose significant amounts of muscle, right?

MehiraDeOro

No I didn't!

I just went online to see if I could find out if I'm losing muscle mass or fat and the ketone strips came up a lot. I read a few sites and they said it was an easy way to tell. Crap now I'm scared...

Acg67

No I didn't!

I just went online to see if I could find out if I'm losing muscle mass or fat and the ketone strips came up a lot. I read a few sites and they said it was an easy way to tell. Crap now I'm scared...

Some muscle loss is almost inevitable when dieting down, adequate protein intake and resistance training can limit the amount you do lose though

scott091501

Cyclical Ketogenic diets have actually been shown to be muscle sparing. Yes I've used keto strips. It will get gradually more and more prominant in the coloring. I usually went 10 days to 2 weeks to intially get to the point I needed a carb up day and then I went every 7 days.

huntindawg1962

There is a big difference between ketosis (from the fat burn) and ketoacidosis (medical issue related). If you can turn it on or off with addition of some carbs or eating more - likely not the later issue.

Acg is right on - adequate protein and resistance training along the way is the best path.

MehiraDeOro

OK, I almost flipped out until I read your response. I can totally do both of those, actually eating more protien was one of my goals anyways so that worked out!


Thank you