Help, I can't get into ketosis

(AMY OSTERMANN) #1

My husband and I have been on the ketogenic diet for three weeks now. For at least the last 2 weeks, we have both stayed under 20 grams of carbs daily and our percentages have been roughly 75 to 80% fat, 15% protein and under 7% carbs. My husband has been registering ketones for 2 weeks on the breathalyzer and I still have not registered any ketones. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. Has anyone else had this problem?

(Allie) #2

Forget percentages, what are the actual grams?

(AMY OSTERMANN) #3

Here are my grams since Sept. 1st
9/1: energy-2266, carbs-18.9, protein-73.6, fat-203.7
9/2: e-2163, c-20.2, p-127.2, f-172.8
9/3: e-2154, c-18.7, p-93.9, f-185.3
9/4: e-1643, c-13.6, p-64.2, f-144.6

I am a 38yr old female, my height is 5’5" and my weight is 185lbs.
Thanks!

(Allie) #4

I would think, as hard as it may be, you just need more patience. It’s very early days and one of the cruel truths of keto is that it’s a heck of a lot easier for men as they don’t have to deal with the hormonal issues us women have. It’s very early on your journey. Are you taking body measurements to check for changes? How do you feel in yourself?

(AMY OSTERMANN) #5

Thanks, I have lost 4 pounds but I haven’t been taking measurements. I feel pretty good. Last week I was very light-headed and I’ve had some gastrointestinal issues. But overall I’m very much enjoying the diet

(Omar) #6

the breathalyzer may be tricky

maybe he is blowing to the last molecule while you blowing more shallow.

just a thought

(Pass the butter, please!) #7

Have you tried fasting? I find that I get into ketosis when I incorporate fasting into my routine. I aim to finish eating by 6:00 pm, then have nothing but black coffee and water until at least noon the next day. I try to do this at least three times per week. On the other days I still stop eating by 6 or 7, but start my next morning with coffee, coconut oil, and mct oil around 8 or 9. It works well for me!
Good luck, and I agree with others regarding not stressing. Pick a pair of jeans that are a bit tight and aim for fitting into them comfortably!
You can do this!!

(Nicole Silvia) #8

I would vote faulty breathalyzer or the way you are using it. Go get some urine strips to compare. That doesn’t add up, there’s no way both of you are holding onto reserves for that long.

(Jane) #9

Try holding your breath for 30 secs before you blow into your breathylizer. When I get a zero reading and I KNOW my carbs have been low I re-test by holding my breath and it usually registers then.

Not sure why this seems to work… maybe holding the air in your lungs allows the acetone to build up. :woman_shrugging:

(David Brown) #10

give fat fasting a go for a day. consume nothing but fat.

i do this twice a week at the moment and it doubles my ketone readings. i take on about 1200 calories from drinking melted coconut oil and udo’s oil. i also consume a littlle cheese and some avocados