Still trying to determine if Keto is for me!

#1

I have been doing Keto since January 15th and am only down 8 pounds which I lost in the first 2 weeks and maintained. I was under the assumption that I would lose up to 20 lb in a month at least I was hoping so. I have been very dedicated to keeping my carb count under 50 trying to get under 40 most days and I feel great eating this way. I don’t feel like my stomach’s bothering me nor do I have the digestive issues I had but I’m disappointed I didn’t lose more.
I just started back to the gym and I’m hoping that this helps a little bit and I don’t want this to be so strict that I won’t continue doing it the rest of my life any ideas?

(Ethan) #2

Have you checked your ketones with a meter?

#3

No I haven’t.

#4

Try staying under 20 or 30 total carbs, maybe you’ll get better results.

#5

All takes time. Keep calm and Keto on, and it will happen. But 3 weeks is nothing. I have been going for 11 months and have lost about 55 lbs. The proof is in the pudding.

Lots of forum threads here with lots of good information.

(Ethan) #6

Different people get different results with varying carbohydrate levels. For some, 50g is great. For others, it won’t work. A meter is really the best way to know if you are in ketosis throughout the day.

#7

Do you have cheat days? Realistically in order for this to work I will need that. If I find that eating such a low carb count doesn’t work long term, do you know of any modified version of keto?

#8

Over the holidays I ate things non-keto, several weeks during the summer I ate non-keto. Other occasions, non-keto as well. It all seemed to fit. It took me a long time to figure out what works.

#9

So you don’t believe all is lost for my success at keto?

(Ethan) #10

Cheat days have been discussed here. You can do them, especially if they are infrequent, and dependent on your insulin sensitivity. Nonetheless, a cheat day will negate some progress and generally make your experience worse.

(Liz ) #11

  1. 8 pounds is amazing but it’s probably mostly water. You won’t start burning body fat until you are fat adapted which took me 6 weeks, it can take even longer than that.

  2. Keto is not a quick fat loss diet is is a way of eating that changes you from a sugar burner to a fat burner and that takes time to accomplish. Measure in terms of months, not weeks.

  3. Sometimes there is a lot of healing that has to go on inside before the body is ready to release fat.

  4. Exercising is great for you I recommend it! But it’s not going to make you lose weight much faster and if you do it too intensely, you can actually stymie your efforts.

  5. Make sure you understand the science of why keto works. It’s not just about how many carbs you eat or your fat/protein macros, it’s about regulating insulin. If you are just thinking about how many carbs you can get away with all the time you are going to sabotage yourself.

  6. This is a totally sustainable lifestyle with even very minimal carbs, IF you like the food, IF you feel good living like this. Once you are fully fat adapted, food is fun, but it is no longer the center of your life. This all takes time. That’s why our mantra is Keep Calm and Keto On

#12

Oh hell, no. You did great - 8 pounds! How awesome. Also on keto, you will likely lose inches before you see it on the scale.

Did you use to have digestive issues?

Listen, you’re at the beginning of this journey. If you want it. Why do you want to do this? How much would you like to lose?

#13

That is what I have read so in your estimation do you believe keto wouldn’t be for me if I need some cheat days? Would you suggest a variation of the diet that might be more suited for me? Perhaps the Atkins 40 or some other version of low carb?

#14

I don’t do “cheat days,” but then again I have found that I don’t want to cheat. You eventually lose your cravings for sugar, bread, pasta, etc., by not eating it.

#15

True, cravings reduction is MAJOR.

#16

Thank you so much. I really want to continue. Even my latest bp was 110 over 66 and iy hasn’t been that in years. I just didn’t want to continue down the road of something that isn’t going to be the most suited for me. I appreciate all your advice

(Ethan) #17

How often are you thinking of cheat days though?

#18

Yes. I have been diagnosed with chronic IBS and even when I lose weight I tend to feel bloated and heavier I am. Its a bummer when you are trying to see results. I want to lose about 60 pounds overall.

(Ethan) #19

IBS will see a major benefit from a keto diet.

#20

With a chronic disease like IBS, it would be really good to take keto on for life. I didn’t think this could be forever but now I do. I think you could greatly benefit from it.