[Pinky2012]

OK - I've checked the forum and did an internet search . . . .

How can I tell for certain that I'm in Ketosis? I haven't had any of the symptoms that are described on anything that I can get my fingers on.

No Bad Breath
No Energy Loss
No Hungry Pains
No Headaches
No Nausea
No Constipation

I average between 40 and 60 carbs per day. I haven't deviated from the program either.

THANKS!
Pinkie

[sarajoyus]

Hi Pinkie--
The only way to know for SURE you're in ketosis is a blood testing unit (several glucose monitoring systems can also monitor ketones--you use specific strips and they are fairly pricey...$2 each on average)

But the point is that IP is designed so you don't need to do that kind of monitoring because if you're sticking 100% to program (as it sounds like you are) you WILL lose weight.

Some people monitor, sure (using urine sticks, which are pretty unreliable, or blood strips which are fairly expensive) but it's not a necessary part of the program, and many people successfully lose weight without any of the classic "symptoms" of ketosis.

I guess the bottom line is the only "symptom" you need to worry about is the scale and your measurements going down

[Snozzeberries]

You can buy strips at walgreens (i guess) to pee on that will confirm if you're in ketosis. However i have not purchased them once yet. When i come out of and then cross back into ketosis, I can tell because I start having to pee every half hour... Not exaggerating. This lasts for about 12 hours and then slows down a bit. But when I come totally out of ketosis my frequency slows waaaay down (and then the scale reflects it bc Glycogen stores water.

I've been on IP for almost 2 months and although I am not a pro at it yet, are you possibly eating more than one restricted item per day? Or more than 3 packets? 40-60 carbs seems high to me... I think mine are normally under 40... And I've heard that under 30-50 net carbs is normally required for ketosis, although everyone is different.

I also don't have bad breath all the time even when I know im in ketosis. Not being hungry is a sign of ketosis as well.

So, you didn't carb crash in the first few days?

[lisa32989]

There is total carbs and net carbs. Which are you reporting?

I wouldn't bother with the strips. Too unreliable.

[Pinky2012]

@Snoozeberries . . . No, I didn't carb crash the first few days and I'm only eating 3 packs a day - breakfast, lunch and snack. Do tell me about this Carb Crashing thing!?!?

@Lisa32989 . . .I'm reporting Carbs from MFP. So I assume that's total Carbs.

The highest day this past week was 59 (Thursday) and this weekend, it's been right around 35. Most days are under 50.

So is constant peeing a sign of being in Ketosis??

[lisa32989]

Total carbs makes sense. Net is usually 30-40.
I also track fiber so I can subtract for net carbs, which is what is usually meant when people mention carbs on the IP boards.

If you're losing weight on plan, don't stress about Ketosis. Some people get lots of symptoms, some don't get any

[Pinky2012]

@Lisa - if that's the case, then I've been under 30 carbs everyday, except that one high day.

I'd love for some of the MFP users on here to be on my "Friend" list on MFP (I can be found on MFP as 2012Pinkie) . . . I have my diary open . . . which could be helpful for getting y'alls input on my foods.

I log EVERYTHING . . . it's amazing to see what you eat and don't eat. I at times have found myself saying 'I'll just have a handful of pretzels while I'm getting X,Y or Z out of our pantry.' Catching myself and stopping it huge!

[dluckylucas]

Wait! I am doing total carbs on MFP at 35 no more! And this is not net. Why is my goal so much lower?

[Briael]

Different clinics impose all different kinds of rules. Some clinics say no restricted packets, some clinics only let you go into P2 at 100% of loss, some clinics don't measure but only weigh....

It's a crap shoot out there, you get lucky or not so lucky with your IP coach. That's why I joined 3FC-IP. The folks here know as much as, if not a heckuva lot more than, some of the poor coaches out there.

I was told the general rule of thumb is to aim between 30 and 35 carbs.
Subtract all the dietary fiber and half of any sugar alcohols to get the net amount. This would appear to be supported by a lot of the protocol paperwork that I have read from the original diet plan.

[Snozzeberries]

I carb crashed badly the 2nd day. I felt like I had the flu. Head ach, body aches... I got crazy crabby and literally looked up online if people could die from carb withdrawal. lol. But. I survived . Hehe. It last about a day. My husband started a week later and carb crashed too. Obviously its a sign of how big of a carboholic I was. Apparently not everyone has that.

I cant see your diary, but are you sure you arent eating more than one restricted a day? I was bc I thought the chocolate wafer bars were not restricted and found out later they were.

Sorry. I'm not anymore help than that. Also. Are you drinking enough water? I have found that ketosis doesnt seem to work if you're not drinking enough. (From one beginner to another).

[mars735]

Hi Pinkie, One way I know I'm in ketosis is cold hands and dry skin on my hands. Looks like you are doing great.

[ChipnDip]

I had no real signs. I did use the ketostix to see. Eventually I was cold all the time. Definitely no ketoflu or crash for me. The weight loss was the best sign.

[ChipnDip]

Oh yeah, once my DH told me I tasted like butter when he kissed me!