Ketosis question

[pbutter]

Okay, my mom and I were talking about this and I was curious if there is anyone who knows the answer.
I undertsand that it doesn't really matter how "deep" the color is for ketostix, ketosis is ketosis, no matter the color (right?).
But, how do you know you are burning stored fat vs. dietary fat? Is there specific amt. of grams that is best not to go over? I know we aren't suppossed to count though. I acually never knew this topic existed until the other day, and was under the impression that ketosis meant you were burning body fat and you would lose weight.
Anyone have any insight? Thanks!

[julirama723]

Re: Ketosis question

Ketosis means you are burning fat for fuel, but there is no way to tell if you're burning the fat you consume or the fat from your body. Obviously, if you are losing pounds or inches, you are burning body fat. But, from just looking at the sticks, you cannot tell.

Ketosis is like being pregnant. Either you ARE or you AREN'T!

Don't worry about grams--on induction, you should be aiming toward certain percentages. You daily calories should be 65% fat, 5% carbs, 30% protein. www.fitday.com (or www.thedailyplate.com) are great sites to help you track your foods, and they do all the math for you! I use fitday every single day--I love it.

[pbutter]

Re: Ketosis question

Thanks! Thanks kinda what I was thinking as well. I guess as long as you don't overeat, then you should be a-okay!

[liftinguru]

Re: Ketosis question

You can rather easily find the source of energy your body is burning for fuel by counting calories, and knowing your daily caloric requirements. It is no different than a low fat diet where your body uses carbohydrates as fuel, because the body is burning calories (it is only the source of those calories that changes). If you consume 2000 calories a day on the diet (and most of the calories come from protein and fat), and you burn 2500 calories per day while on the diet, then 500 of the calories you are burning each day should be coming from your stored bodyfat. Your body will always use the fuel it has available on hand (from foods you eat) first, and then go to the body's store when it runs out. Caloric restriction is the key to any weight loss plan, even though on Atkins induction dieters are told not to worry about them. The theory behind that is simply that you will be on a calorie restricted diet if you follow the book, because fat and protein makes your body feel more satiated by eating less than refined sugars and carbs otherwise would. The one exception is Atkins nutritional products (bars, shakes, and other foods) that generally lead to excess caloric intake and stalls weight loss.

[not2late]

Re: Ketosis question

Okay, my mom and I were talking about this and I was curious if there is anyone who knows the answer.
I undertsand that it doesn't really matter how "deep" the color is for ketostix, ketosis is ketosis, no matter the color (right?).
But, how do you know you are burning stored fat vs. dietary fat? Is there specific amt. of grams that is best not to go over? I know we aren't suppossed to count though. I acually never knew this topic existed until the other day, and was under the impression that ketosis meant you were burning body fat and you would lose weight.
Anyone have any insight? Thanks!

In addition to what Juli wrote, your body may also use ketones as an energy source. So those ketostix are pretty useless because if you're breaking down your body fat but using those ketones for energy, those stix won't register.

So don't get hung up on it. Look for the physical signs of lipolysis/ketosis and look for the loss of pounds and inches.