Hi there! I’m new to this forum and the keto lifestyle. I’ve been trying for about 3 weeks now and I don’t feel like I’m doing this right. Here’s what I’ve been doing; keeping my carbs net carbs between 20-25 and my fat is usually around 120 grams and is usually higher than my protein. I’ve lost about 6-7lbs in 3 weeks. I have never been threw the “keto flu”, I have however, felt an increase in energy and I do not feel as bloated anymore. I’m really stuck with this whole weight loss portion of it. Is there anything else I should be doing? I have been using my fitness pal for everything. My calorie intake ranges between 900-1400 sometimes. I’m at a loss as to why I’ve been losing more weight. Is there any signs that you are in ketosis?
Thank you in advance. I do appreciate any help I can get. 
Newbie problems.
New and confused 🤷♀️
At this early stage, don’t worry about calories. And not everyone goes through the flu. You can get a blood meter to measure ketones but the strips are expensive and readings vary so much.
There is a good saying: Chase results, not ketones. And some very good reading on tuitnutrition.com that explains it in a lot more detail.
Until then, it sounds like you are on the right track. Watch out for sneaky carbs and sugar, even the nest of us get fooled!
It sounds like you’re doing great. If you’ve got energy on only 20 net grams of carbs, you’re probably fat adapted already or well on your way. I personally don’t waste my money on measuring my ketones.
Nichole, I’m in the same boat as you. I haven’t had more than 20 net grams of Carb’s in 14 days. I have the bad breath and the smelly urine but when I test with he Keto Strips, it only shows that I’m slightly in ketosis. There have been a couple of days that I’ve only had 9g carbs. My weight loss is about the same as yours. Maybe I’m expecting too much.
You can also OVEREAT fat to some extent, preventing your body from using stored body fat. You can try easing up a bit on the added fat ( bulletproof coffees, mounds of butter on steak, tons of cheese, etc) and that will help. But not so much so you’re hungry all the time. Adding in IF will supercharge things too.
Trust the process. It’s taken me 9 months to realize that. Your body will dump the excess fat when it’s ready and that doesn’t always follow your calendar! Focus on positive effects.
Have you you noticed the increased energy?
How’s your sleep?
Notice that you don’t have cravings that would rule your life?
How’s your skin?
Two words- No bloating!
These were what I noticed after about 3-4 weeks in and I was hooked. 9 months later I’ve lost 25lbs and I still marvel at how great I feel.
KCKO indeed!
6-7 lbs in 3 weeks is great. Typically there will be a big drop the first week or so. Much of this is bloating. Then it’s very common to plateau for a few weeks even. Your body needs to adjust and get used to this new way of eating. It’ll realize there’s no more glucose and will switch to burning fat for fuel. Stick with it, allow your body time to adjust, and you’ll see progress. Don’t expect The weight loss to be continual daily or weekly. It tends to stair step down with plateaus included. Take joy in your progress so far, the weight loss, the decrease in bloating, and your increase in energy. I’d say this is validation of improving your health. Based on my experience and many stories from this forum I’d say stick with it. Let time go by, enjoy small improvements, be patient and I think you’ll see even more.
Thank you everyone for all the reassurance and tips! I’m sticking with it! I think I was just expecting more weight loss right off the bat. But I am happy with the progress I have made.
Hi, Nichole – I’m in the same boat. But have no words of wisdom for you. Wishing you the best.
Also remember that women lose weight slower than men during this keto journey, so just keep at it!