Full adaptation can take around six weeks without a cheat. Some people report it taking even longer. How will you know? There's really no test. Most people report fewer ketones in urine (as your body isn't creating more than necessary) and a return to pre-keto exercise ability.

Took me about 6 weeks no cheats to become adapted. Energy is through the roof now and I feel fantastic.

winningandlosing43 wrote: »

its about 20 caurbs to enter ketosis and it takes 3~6 weeks. They have urine strips at the pharmacy that measure your ketone level but its not as accurate as a blood ketone meter (which I have). The meter itself isnt too expensive but the strips can be very pricy and everything has to be ordered on amazon since the precision xtra is only sold online. It measures both glucose and ketones and has different strips for each. I can tell you from personal experience it takes a long time to get into ketosis and one cheat can screw it up for another few weeks. The blood doesnt lie. You cajt have a cheat day if you want to be in ketosis.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008UZVLM8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1425397000&sr=8-1&keywords=precision+xtra+ketone+meter&dpPl=1&dpID=31A+JmC4wHL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

The strips are $3.00 each... I call that a lot more than a bit pricey... Ouch

karirenae wrote: »

How long do I need to be under 20g daily to become keto-adapted? Also how will I know? I had been under 20g for a straight week, then I cheated then every week after I had a cheat day. I've decided to try to become "adapted" with NO CHEATING but I'm not sure how to know.... I've been pretty sluggish this week. So I'm hoping I'll be happier with more energy. This LC stuff is kicking my *kitten*

How long? 2-6 weeks. The lower carb you go, the quicker you get adapted. This is not a casual diet where you go on & off or get sloppy with carbs. That may work fine for losing weight, but not for Keto Adaptation. Adaption is scientific, you can't "cheat" and hope your body "forgives" you (LOL!) Adaptation occurs when your body is consistently in ketosis. It adjusts your hormones to "adapt" you to your new way of eating.

If you are sluggish, you need to google "Keto Flu". Your symptoms suggest you have the flu. The flu happens when you stay in ketosis (a good thing) and now your liver is dumping sodium, potassium & magnesium ~ otherwise know as your electrolytes. This is easily remedied (see website about Keto flu).

I use the 3rd method of the (2) reliable ways to measure ketones, with a breath analyzer (Ketonix). The pee on strips suck. The great thing about the Ketonix is that after you purchase it, there is nno additional purchases (like blood testing).

If you don't have money to burn and can't afford testing devices, you will keto adapt if you truly stay withing the less than 20 carbs and not too much protein, and in a 2-6 week time frame, you will be adapted. Everyone that is adapted goes through small changes (all different).

I hope this helps,

Dan the Man from Michigan

I've been keto for well over a month now, and the ketostix are still burning dark purple. My understanding is that once you become fully adapted, ketones no longer show up consistently in your urine, so you have to blood monitor after that. Even though I'm in week six, my ketostix are still max dark, so I must not be 'adapted' yet - and I haven't slipped up once.