Please help me understand how you...

[jkkr2235]

....can be in Ketosis for several days and NOT lose weight. Maybe I am misunderstanding what is actually happening in your body when you are in Ketosis.

i appreciate you helping educate me!

[Chef Kevin]

Re: Please help me understand how you...

biologically, this diet works because it is how our bodies are supposed to burn off fat, so from that stand point it works for everyone.

But, certain things can prevent weightloss, not necessarily fat loss.

One scenario is is someone who eats more protein than their body can handle. This excess protein is converted to glucose. While it is not an enormous amount, they will often stay in ketosis, it does provide fuel and will prevent weight loss. While the body will not be able to add more fat while in ketosis, body fat may not always be the only thing burned. There is also a certain amount of dietary fat burned in ketosis. Without insulin, your body will not handle 100% of the fat you ingest, so there is a certain benefit there.

Also during ketosis, the "metabolic advantage" is that ketones are inefficient. Instead of 9 calories per fat gram, when broken into ketones you get about 5 usable calories of energy. So, therefore it takes more grams of fat to get an equal number of calories, and you burn up more fat. The excess material is excreted in urine and in your breath (ketosis breath).

So, while even in ketosis, portion control comes into play. Eat reasonable portions, don't get hungry, but don't gorge. There is a balance to look for. Salt can make you retain water because it is hygroscopic (water attracting) and may cause someone to not lose weight even though fat is being burned. Sugar is also hygroscopic, which is one reason a large weight loss occurs in the beginning of induction.

Also, dehydration can slow weight loss. Your body needs water to convert fat into ketones, so even though you might be in ketosis, is is not going full steam because of a lack of water. So, drink plain old water for best effect.

There is more, such as vitamins (B's in particular) that you need, and it gets more boring. But that is some of the big stuff there.

Watch portions, don't get hungry, drink water, don't over eat protein, keep your diet ratio in the realm of 65% fat, 35% protein, 5% carb. I guess that is about it. I am tired of typing....

[Brook]

Re: Please help me understand how you...

Simply put- ketosis isn't a weight loss guarantee. It makes it easier through appetite suppression and increased energy and there is a metabolic advantage to our WOE, but it doesn't negate the fact that if you take in more than you're putting out, you're not going to lose. You can lose weight without being in ketosis just like you can gain weight while in ketosis.

[jkkr2235]

Re: Please help me understand how you...

Thank you so much for that lesson. It does help me understand the goings on much better.