Maybe consider trying IF with your keto?

"Just like with the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting involves periods of “starving” the body of something, whether it be all food or just carbs. Also, getting into ketosis generally happens much quicker when fasting."

https://perfectketo.com/ketosis-vs-intermittent-fasting/

My understanding is that Glycogen stores should be depleted within 16-24 hours. However, it may take a couple more days after that for your body to stabilize in ketosis. Even after Glycogen stores are depleted, your body may get confused about why there is no more YUMMY sugar coming in and it may without your permission, start releasing insulin from different sources (like hormones). This could affect ketosis and delay it a bit.

Secondly, if for some reason the foods you are eating have some hidden carbs, sugar, it could be stalling your ability to get into full ketosis also. Double check those carb values on the food you are eating. If your diary is open, I can take a look and see if I see anything glaring.

Thirdly, there is a difference between ketosis and fat adaptation. You are very correct when you say it should not take weeks or months to get into ketosis. It does, however, takes weeks even months to become fully fat adapted. Many people confused being in ketosis with being fat adapted. If I am not mistaken (you experts out there help me), you can drop out of ketosis but still be fat adapted. You can also be in ketosis but not be fat adapted. My goal has always been fat adaptation. I view ketosis as just a indicator that you are doing everything nutritionally required to become fat adapted.

The next thing that you may want to double check is the amount of protein you are eating. Eating too much protein can trigger that insulin response and possibly hinder ketosis as well. (especially nuts).

And lastly, make sure to stay away from artificial sweeteners for the first couple weeks. It is very unlikely that this is the cause BUT, I personally have issues with sweeteners because they stall my weight loss, make me crave sugar and typically increase insulin. Drop the sweetener out of your diet for a little while and see if things improve.

If none of the above apply to you, hopefully the Dr. can take a look and find the issue. You are a Veteran at this, so you know these first few days are the most difficult.

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Hi Again! Just viewed your diary and everything looks great. If there are sneaky little carbs coming in, I can't find them based on what you have logged. So I am confident you are doing things correctly. Full disclosure, I don't use blood strips for monitoring. In fact, I don't really use anything. I started out the first month religiously using the pee strips, but that was just to make sure that I was on the right track with my eating and not doing anything that would cause insulin spikes. Once I was able to confirm that 20g was a good number for me, my focus shifted to just making sure that I stayed below 20g because I knew by default I would remain in ketosis.

So maybe there is an issue with how you are testing, when you are testing, etc. Some of the experts who are very familiar with those blood strips may be able to help. I am 100% positive you are going to be successful. Just hang in there and DON'T GIVE UP! I believe in you.


Good Luck to you. You’ve got this!

I’ve been keto for 2.5 years, lost over 70 pounds, never cheat, and I never worry about my ketone levels. I just don’t check. If you’re eating under 20 carbs you’re in ketosis. There could be so many reasons why your BHB levels are off. Your strips or machine could be off. Just keep on ketoing on. I also think your supposed to test first thing in the morning for more accurate results.