Reddit Keto

Join

Can't seem to get ketostixs to show that I'm in Keto

rrsuthy
rrsuthy Posts: 236 Member
in Social Groups
which, probably means, I'm not. I'm getting very frustrated. I know I had a bad weekend 2 weeks, ago, but since then I've been good. I drink a ton of water, eat bacon (has salt), etc. I stay near the 20 mark for net carbs... ideas?

Replies

  • SadKitty27
    SadKitty27 Posts: 416 Member
    I've heard that you should not rely on what the sticks say. There are keto meters to test your blood levels that give you a better indication. Don't give up, you'll eventually get there if you aren't already :smile:
  • kiramaniac
    kiramaniac Posts: 800 Member
    The Ketostix should be able o tell you if you are in ketosis or not. You don't want to use them to tell you how deeply in ketosis you are. Are you showing trace at all, or nothing? Have the Ketostix been stored properly? Fairly new? (I once left my bottle open in the humid bathroom, and I think I ruined the bottle).

    OK. I looked at your diary. My first impression was that it looked really good. None of those hidden carbs or sugar alcohols, so that's good. Nice job overall!

    Here's my theory on your issue. Every lunch, you are having a large quantity of protein with relatively little fat. Every day. Excess protein can convert to glucose in your body. Try to eat AT LEAST an equal number of grams of fat as protein at every meal - if not MORE fat grams than protein grams. Try not to have that imbalance. Most of the time I have 1.5 - 2 times as much fat as protein, but at minimum an equal number of grams.

    So suggestions:
    1) Fix that imbalance issue
    2) Basd on anecdotal evidence here on MFP, many women seem to do better with a higher fat %. Personally, I do 75% Fat, 20% protein, 5% carbs. Consider trying this.
    3) Last Resort: Atkins talked about some individuals just being resistant to ketosis. This is where he recommended the fat fast.

    Me, I would try both 1 and 2. if after 2 more weeks you still aren't there, then consider that Fat Fast.

    A couple of authors (sorry, I don't remember which) also identify that for some individuals, once they've been kicked out, it can can take several weeks to get back into ketosis. Exercise may help speed things along.

    Plus, it's just harder for us ladies :-)

    P.s. dump the egg whites and replace with full eggs; dump the FF Sour Cream!
  • rrsuthy
    rrsuthy Posts: 236 Member
    Thanks! It's really hard for me to switch my thinking for things like whole eggs rather than egg whites - due to the calories. I guess I really need to stop looking at calories for a while and just focus on the fats.
  • bookyeti
    bookyeti Posts: 544 Member
    Do you like coconut oil? I could eat an entire tub of it, seriously. ;) If you struggle getting enough fat intake, take a tablespoon or two of cocount oil a day.
  • silvseyes
    silvseyes Posts: 7
    Just cook everything in olive oil or coconut oil or butter. try to have as much fat grams as protein, and just focus on meeting/even surpassing fat. what i do is eat a lot of cheese, and coconut oil, and even tablespoons of peanut butter (i am one of those people that hate peanut butter) but for some reason i dont mind it knowing that im getting good fat in there, and some protein too :) also, look into bulletproof coffee (if you like coffee). I haven't tried it yet but i heard it's really good and has a whole bunch of fat to keep you going till lunch :)
  • bacitracin
    bacitracin Posts: 921 Member
    Blue Diamond Bold almonds are pretty high in fat and low in carb. A handful can get pretty high calorie but they will definitely make you have to poop, which for some people is a good thing.
  • OkieTink
    OkieTink Posts: 285 Member
    The keto sticks *rarely* show pink for me but my meter shows I am in keto. I think it may have something to do with the amount of water I drink.
  • rrsuthy
    rrsuthy Posts: 236 Member
    Thanks everyone. I'm going to try and up the fat in my diet.
  • 2bmeagain12
    2bmeagain12 Posts: 284 Member
    For only $5, you can download the Fat Fast Cookbook, by Dana Carpender, Kindle only: http://alturl.com/7hawh. She has awesome, awesome high-fat very tasty recipes. Most are 200-250 calories. These help me keep my fats up daily, especially the Coco Cocoa Fat Bombs.
  • Blizaine
    Blizaine Posts: 32 Member
    It's the fact that you drink a ton of water. It dilutes your reading. Keep drink water, it's healthy. But you might back off the water for a day (but stay hydrated) just to get an accurate reading and to know that you are actually in ketosis.

    Edit:
    Also, it's tough to get used to eating so much fat. But just know that if you don't, there are pretty severe consequences while in keto. Too little fat will cause your body to burn protein and lean mass, there by slowing your metabolism. And low fat on keto can also produce gallstones.

Categories