Keto Beginner: 8 lbs lost in a week? Deep ketosis already?

(Drea L) #1

So I started Keto on January 1st 2019. To give you a “snapshot” of how unhealthy I was before hand:

  • 235 lbs before starting Keto and only 5’5”
  • Could finish an entire box of little Debbie’s in one night
  • Would eat until I almost threw up and continue eating more after that
  • Drank wayyyy too much alcohol
  • Never exercised… like ever

Today was my first weigh in and ketosis check since tomorrow will be my week. I was gonna wait until day 7 but I was too anxious to see results. I stepped on the scale today before eating and after using the bathroom (also naked) and saw I went from 235 (early, after urinating, and also naked) to 227 in SIX DAYS. That’s eight pounds folks and I was pretty excited!! Next, I used ketostix to test my level of ketosis and I’m in between high and deep ketosis… after just 6 days.

Currently, I’m eating between 2-3 meals per day and staying under 20 carbs daily. I’m concerned that I may be overdoing it and throwing my body into starvation mode since my hunger has, mostly, subsided the past few days (although I still eat at times intervals) and my ketosis is already pretty high. That seems strange considering I’ve read post after post about how long it can take to get there and of course read contradicting posts about how that means you’re body isn’t using its ketones.

Also, I’m feeling really concerned that Keto flu hasn’t necessarily hit me in this six days. The only thing that’s flu-y is the fact that I have had sooooo much diarrhea and increased voiding. Otherwise, no headaches or tiredness and the foggy brain subsided a couple of days ago.

Guys… is something weird here?? It seems like this diet is wayyy to easy for me and I’ve achieved ketosis way too fast. Can someone either point out what’s wrong with this or give me assurance that it’s fine.

**ps I prefer scholarly articles or legitimate (cited) references if you are quoting something **
pss if you want to include your own experiences that’s fine as well

Thanks!!2019-01-07T02:50:00Z

(Full Metal KETO AF) #2

WOW! It didn’t start like that for me but I’d be thrilled if I were you too. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

#3

Not everybody suffers the electrolyte imbalances that are known as keto flu. It depends what you’re eating.

Your body is just starting to make & use ketones so it’s making more than you need - hence you pee out the excess. Unless you have a faulty pancreas it’s fine.

Not unusual to drop a lot of water weight in the first week.

All of this is to say if you feel fine then it’s probably because you are fine.

#4

I think ketosis is typically achieved within 2-3 days if carbs are low enough. It’s fat adaptation that takes longer.

(Carl Keller) #5

Hello and welcome Drea.

That’s a good sign that keto is working for you. If you are eating plenty of fat and keeping carbs low, you are using excess glycogen stored in your liver. For every gram of glycogen release, you are releasing 3-4 grams of water. This is often referred to as water weight. You can’t expect to keep losing this much this fast but it’s definitely a good indication that burning fat is coming next.

Your metabolism won’t suffer as long as long as you pay attention to hunger. If you are hungry eat, if not then don’t force yourself. Signs of slowing metabolism might be fatigue, hunger and cold hands and feet. The body’s response to starvation is conserving energy by saving heat for the organs while restricting energy to heat the extremities. In short, you will feel like crap if your metabolism is slowing.

Most keto flu is caused by imbalanced electrolytes. If you are getting plenty of salt and water, then you most likely will not get the “flu” so consider yourself lucky. The diarrhea could be from a few things, possibly: too much protein and not enough fat, choice of oil or artificial sweeteners. Just please make sure you are geting plenty of water. Diarrhea causes lots of water loss and it’s important to replace it. You are also flushing a lot of salt during this process and from doing keto. Make sure you are getting at least 64 oz (2 liters) or water and 2+ teaspoons of salt per day.

https://blog.virtahealth.com/fix-diarrhea-keto/

#6

Not sure if you’ve spotted the Show me the Science section https://www.ketogenicforums.com/c/science but making use of that & the search function will get you links to lots of papers, presentations ec…

(Banting & Yudkin & Atkins & Eadeses & Cordain & Taubes & Volek & Naiman & Bikman ) #7

Deep ketosis doesn’t really matter. Aside from pee sticks being wildly manipulable with hydration level and fat adapatation status, they are really meant for T1 diabetics to ensure they are not experiencing ketoacidosis, which is potentially fatal. IIRC, that’s ketone levels beyond dietary or therapeutic, like into a 15+ reading.

For dietary purposes and non-T1 diabetics, epileptics, and cancer patients, being in ketosis is a lot like being pregnant. You are or you aren’t.

(Running from stupidity) #8

:metal::metal::metal::metal::metal:

#9

Sounds like you’re on the right track.

I didn’t get “keto flu” either, not everyone gets it. Must’ve been the ample doses of water and salt.

I also did not launch straight into a 20 day fast or make too many changes all at once. (Actually I don’t fast).

I don’t think it’s weird, I found it pretty easy as well. I just replaced all bread, rice and pasta with steamed veggies / butter on top. And instead of cereal with milk, it was bacon and eggs fried in butter.

You need to stay in ketosis for a few weeks, if not more, to be fully adapted so keep up the good work.

Next I have to explorer more interesting foods all under 20, (maybe 30g) carbs.

Glad to hear it was easy for you.

(Drea L) #10

So are Ketostix not a good indicator in general then since they are dependent on other variables?

(Banting & Yudkin & Atkins & Eadeses & Cordain & Taubes & Volek & Naiman & Bikman ) #11

In the grand scheme of monitoring ketones (which I think is an activity of dubious merit for weight loss, imho), Stix <<< Blood testing << Breath testing.

But as I’ve said, ketone level monitoring for the non-T1 diabetic, non-epileptic, cancer free weight loss ketonian is mostly a way to focus on the wrong things. Eat whole foods that are naturally low in carbs. Keep a journal and see the non-scale improvements. Weigh yourself and measure yourself with a tape measure on a periodic basis (I weigh most days and tape measure maybe quarterly). While the name of the diet is the ketogenic diet, the point is not to maximize ketones. It is to improve your health and likely lose weight.

(Scott) #12

Even though I bought keto strips I quickly decided they were a waste of time. I realized that when I am in ketosis I can taste it. I also didn’t ever feel flu like but maybe a bit off a couple of days.

#13

Pee stix Only measure the early type of ketones not the later long-term ones. So they stop registering after a few weeks.

And the numbers go up and down throughout the day massive variation.

Blood meter results also vary Throughout the day.

So yeah use a couple of sticks here in there but don’t measure every day. Focus on a good carb counting app and your waistline measurement

#14

i lost 8 lbs in as many days when i first started, and didn’t get any flu symptoms (though it was harder for me to maintain the level of exercise i kept pre-keto). i’m 30 years old, 5’6, and started at 195lbs…do you have similar stats? i also took care not to eat any artificial sweeteners, eat only whole foods, and not attempt to replicate any SAD food. if this sounds like what you are doing, then it looks like you’re on the same track as me and all is well :smiley:

(Liane) #15

Be glad it’s one and not the other. I hear from many who get constipated. Once you are used to the extra fat it will ease off, but until then take fibercon tabs- fiber is a balancer and will firm up loose stools or soften hard stools as needed. I have IBS-D and if I didn’t take fiber I’d never leave the house!

(Tina) #16

That is terrific results! I’m also on my 6th day however I haven’t reached Ketosis yet and I’m worried that in not doing something right. Would you mind sharing what you’re eating.

(Running from stupidity) #17

Keto is this easy (Keto for beloved noobs)

This is for Phase One - the starter phase. it’s still not complicated later, but this is the really easy to explain version which will help you no end.

  • Eat under 20g of carbs a day

  • Eat plenty of good food - fat and protein - while adhering to 20g/carbs/day. Don’t worry too much about macros and calories EXCEPT carbs. Keep them below 20g/day. Your job is to get fat-adapted, so give your body the fuel you want it to use. Also, your appetite will vary - it’ll disappear, then it’ll come roaring back. Happens to most people, don’t sweat it.

  • ELECTROLYTES/SALT - KEEP THEM UP

  • This site has a search function (magnifying glass at the top of the page) and a newbies section - use them both, you’ll get a better variety of answers to your questions far more quickly that way. SERIOUSLY, THIS IS VERY USEFUL.[1]

That’s as difficult as it needs to be for a couple of months.

My good friend Terence (being friends with a Kiwi feels kinda dirty, but there you have it, keto makes for strange bedfellows) tells me this thing I have described above is called “dirty keto.” So yeah, do dirty keto, kids! :slight_smile:

Expanded version is HERE if you dare…

[1]If you can’t find a useful answer after searching and reading for a while, we can help you a lot more if you tell us relevant data about yourself such as your reasons for doing keto, your weight/height/age/gender, a sample menu plan & any relevant health conditions.

(Tina) #18

Thank you so much!

(Lisa ) #19

Shock horror!!!

(Running from stupidity) #20

I went close to have TWO, but it seems not.