Practical expectations with Keto?
 

What's been your experience with a Keto plan?

I've been low-carb for a long time. But as of last year, the Weight Creep had brought me to a level I needed to reverse.

On December 1 2019, I began Keto, measured only via urine test strips. Within a couple of weeks, I dropped ten pounds. Yay! However, since that time--now four months--my weight has remained rock steady right there.

I know there are more sophisticated measurements for ketogenicity (is that a word??) than test strips. However as I am resistant to counting stuff (calories, carbs, steps, macronutrients) I hoped that I would be able to tell if and when keto was "working" for me. In fact, my system is functioning very well, and I actually feel "leaner"--only a feeling as I am not measuring my thighs. :lol:

There's no magic weight for me--only the weight I originally aimed for, which is about 20lbs. less than what it is now.

Can you send me links to some books or articles that discuss the metabolic advantages of keto, which may or may not include weight loss?

I'm not really unhappy. Mostly just puzzled at the lack of expected results.

I'm curious, too. I often don't lose or even gain but my ketosis is always there. I do feel a lot better in ketosis!

The best look inside of the body so far as been blood meter - currently using this one:

https://keto-mojo.com/ Recommended by Rob here - least expensive strips at $1 each - see my journal back a few weeks as I tested breath, urine, blood BHB and Glucose head to head.

Currently i'm seeing what it takes to maintain "optimal" from diet only 1.5-3mmol/L I think this is going to be easily accomplished at 20 net carb and M-W-F ADF at 36hr - It's really interesting to see how refeed affects numbers - I'll also experiment with protein vs fat for cals after I stabilize on the ADF plan in a week or two.

Here's tracking this month so far - started with fast on Monday

April 2020

BHB = Beta HydroxyButyrate, Glu = Glucose
Ux = Urine Strips, Nc = Net Carb
Lbs = English Pounds, Act = (Type-Intensity[1-10])


Date - BHB - Glu - Ux - Nc - Lbs - Act
0401 - 0.9 - 101 - 15 - 00 - 213 - KiteFoil-7
0402 - 3.1 - 076 - 40 - 17 - 209 - KiteFoil-7
0403 - 1.2 - 101 - 30 - 00 - 213 - None
0404 - 3.2 - 074 - 40 - 10 - 208 -

Look back here at end for March experimentation:

http://downhaul.com/lowcarb/daily.txt

Have fun Barb, poke your finger!

I should have mentioned as well, it's my experience that...

KETO =/= Weight Loss

For me, when keeping carbs real low (below 20 net), I eat less quantity and less often. This is how weight gets lost over time for this body.

Sometimes us older women need more than just keto. see diet doctors.

I opted for checking my thyroid. its low normal with a history of surgery to remove one. Took talking to the right doc to get replacement therapy. On a starter dose. Low thyroid among women is normal. As in so common, its normal.

Another hormone is testosterone. Women have a normal range....look into the biology of hormone s and understand how one is converted to another...and why. Only then can balance be acheived.

For me, it was keto PLUS elimination of whole categories of "food."

Now, I'm all about the lurking toxins. Like lectins; my body HATES lectins. Also, fermenting eliminates these: which is why I think I get along with cheese, sour cream and cream cheese. Aside from bits of heavy cream in my morning coffee, that's all the dairy I eat.