Ketosis

[Meg888]

I know this is when the body breaks down stored fat to turn into energy. But when one reaches this stage in their (certain) diets, do you actually start to lose more weight? My thinking is that if your body is using stored fat for energy, and you are still keeping to your diet - would weight loss not increase once you've reached this stage? TIA

[Meg888]

Answers on a postcard please... or just on here will do!

Sorry for being impatient, I'm dying to know! I think I'm buzzing from carb withdrawal!

[Meg888]

Thanks Redhelen. This is great news. I've lost 7lbs since monday, so will I continue with this regular weight loss on my low carb diet or will it start slowing down?

I plan to do this for 2 weeks, then gradually wean good carbs back in, but I would like to lose 3 stone.

[Meg888]

Thanks! I've got them on order!

[Sqad]

Maybe.......maybe


Though you may lose weight in the initial phase of low-carb diets, once you consume even one carbohydrate-rich food, your body snaps out of ketosis. Initial weight loss caused by low-carb diets, according to MayoClinic.com, may be caused by a diuretic, or fluid-flushing, effect and/or reduced calorie intake. You may also experience physical weakness and fatigue, and find it difficult to partake in usual activities, such as exercise.

Good luck

[Meg888]

Thanks Squad. I am trying not to get silly with it (apart from squealing like a teenager when I get on the scales). I'm also aware that such quick loss can result in piling it back just as quick. I work full time and have a daughter, so being out of action due to crash dieting is not an option so I'm trying to be careful as I can be.

[TopKat]

I'm on a low carb diet and have been for ages, first to lose weight and then because it is healthier and suits my body. If you're on this kind of diet, you will begin to burn fat and so lose weight gradually (about 2-3lbs per week). This is the safest way to lose and maintain your weight loss and you shouldn't try to lose faster. You can test your urine to tell what level of ketosis you're in and I used to do this, but, after a while, you can tell without testing. I get a sweet taste in my mouth when my body is most ketotic. Also, contrary to what others have said, I feel pretty energetic on this diet and certainly not ill or weak! Just remember low carb doesn't mean low fat and you shouldn't be avoiding fatty meat or chicken skin (or cheese and butter!). Eat till you feel full and enjoy watching the weight come off!

[rowanwitch]

Low carb dieting is not like a normal eating plan its very much all or nothing even on the new version of atkins the sort of carbs you can re introduce don't amount to much more than a portion of salad leaves or some green veg (not peas)

[TopKat]

Sorry to argue rowanwitch, but you have not understood what low carb eating is about. I eat more vegetables now than I ever did, that is part of the diet. You are avoiding carbs, not nutrients and should be eating lots of green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, cabbage, etc as well as smaller amounts of ohter vegetables (like tomatoes) which are higher in carbohydrates. Today, for example, I've already had a big bowl of lettuce, half a cucumber and some tomatoes with my lamb meatball for lunch. Also, I don't have to make "special meals" for myself - I just don't have the carb that come with the meal I make for my family (and top up with some cheese if I feel hungry). It's entirely possible to eat low carb and have a varied diet while you lose weight.

[rowanwitch]

Having done Atkins, New atkins and Rose Elliot ... the introduction of more carbs is dependant on the individual many people come out of ketosis on as little as 60of carbohydrate so are restricted to small amounts of leafy greens or some nuts etc... my limit is not much more than 35g so if I low carb its meat fish eggs and a little quorn with some double cream for coffee ... and very little in the way of veggies.

[d9f1c7]

I once did a fortnight on the atkins and yes I lost weight but by the end of it I'd have crawled over broken glass for a bread roll!

[rowanwitch]

did a variation many years before and lost 4 stone in 16 weeks and ended up on regular trips to the gp as they thought I'd damaged my kidneys the back pain was awful being a size 10 for a while was nice though