Finally - ketosis

[SarahMJS]

I went for my physical today and everything on my chart - blood levels, cholesterol, BP, etc are all of an 18 year old with no health problems. One would never know by looking at my chart that I was 42 and very overweight.

I did find out though that I am now in Ketosis. That's very exciting for me. I hadn't really thought much about it, but when she told me that, I knew I had been doing something right these past weeks.

So my body is now working on burning its own fat and not muscle.

AND, according to their scale, I have lost 16 lbs rather than the 13 I hvae recorded. But, I'll stick to mine since that's the one I weigh in on every week.

Just wanted to share.

[momma2ski]

Congrats!! It's got to feel Great!!!

[proud 2 be from the south]

Dumb ??? How does the doc check for that . all that i ever heard about is pe eing on a stick ?????

[RikaInFL]

Congrats on the loss! You must be on cloud 9!

[Jessica6602]

Congrats! Keep up the good work I go today and I hope I get the same kind of news lol.
Thats wonderful to hear all test came back good.

Jessica

[SarahMJS]

Thank you for all the support. I love coming here and posting the little things that don't matter to anyone except those that are on a weight loss journey.

Hey proud/south - they tested my urine, the same as the sticks that you can get in the drug store. I didn't even know they were going to do that, but I'm glad they did. You can get the same thing by buying the testing strips yourself. However, read up on it first. You can easily get a false positive depending on your food consumption and the fats within it.

I had only had a small breakfast of fruit before I went, so they knew it was accurate.

[RikaInFL]

Originally posted by SarahMJS:
Thank you for all the support. I love coming here and posting the little things that don't matter to anyone except those that are on a weight loss journey.

Hey proud/south - they tested my urine, the same as the sticks that you can get in the drug store. I didn't even know they were going to do that, but I'm glad they did. You can get the same thing by buying the testing strips yourself. However, read up on it first. You can easily get a false positive depending on your food consumption and the fats within it.

I had only had a small breakfast of fruit before I went, so they knew it was accurate.

Do you have any sites you can recommend on ketosis? I'd be interested in finding the test strips. Would they have them at just any drug store?

[My_3_Sons]

Rita, hi! You can find the strips at just about anywhere. Walmart, local grocery, Walgreens etc.
Be careful, if you are deydrated or even close the test will show full ketosis. I put it to a test about a year ago. I went 1.5 hours with no fluids and said I was in full ketosis. I had my normal jug of water and tested again and then it reflected the accurate stage. I can always tell I'm in ketosis by other means.

Sarah isn't it a wonderful feeling to see those results! How long have you been lowcarbing? I am so surprised you were in ketosis after having the fruit for breakfast. When had you last had fluids before the test? I'm curious.

Have a great day gals

[buttercupsbabie2]

CONGRATS!
I did atkins for 4 weeks a year ago and i never hit ketosis. I mafde sure i was only eating 15-20 carbs a day too.
My hubby hit it like 3 days after he started! MEN!!!!!!

[My_3_Sons]

LOL I hear you buttercups! Men have it so darn easy don't they? My husband can eat for the whole family and not gain an ounce. Irritating! I'm trying to put weight on him as I struggle to get mine off.
For some, low carb doesn't work too well. I think one has better results if their are a carb addict. Though I'm not sure. What I do know is I could live on carbs alone, of course with the icky after effects I get after indulging in carbs. Usually after my 3rd day of induction I feel like a new person.

[RikaInFL]

Originally posted by My_3_Sons:
Rita, hi! You can find the strips at just about anywhere. Walmart, local grocery, Walgreens etc.
Be careful, if you are deydrated or even close the test will show full ketosis. I put it to a test about a year ago. I went 1.5 hours with no fluids and said I was in full ketosis. I had my normal jug of water and tested again and then it reflected the accurate stage. I can always tell I'm in ketosis by other means.

Sarah isn't it a wonderful feeling to see those results! How long have you been lowcarbing? I am so surprised you were in ketosis after having the fruit for breakfast. When had you last had fluids before the test? I'm curious.

Have a great day gals

Will the strips outright say Ketosis? I know that sounds like a dumb question, but I am really considering this.

[My_3_Sons]

Mine say
KetoCare
Ketone Test Strips

I found mine back in the pharmacy cabinet at my local grocer. I think they are usually back by the pharmacy.

[RikaInFL]

Thanks My_3_Sons. I'll look for it this Friday at the pharmacy when I go to pick up my prescriptions.

[SarahMJS]

My_3_Sons,

I had my fruit and a whole grain waffle very early in the morning and drank my normal water up to and through the appointment.

Because I was a carb-a-holic, cutting down to whole grain carbs, not even wheat flour, but WHOLE wheat flour made a huge difference for me. I found out the best to find is whole grain rye flour which can be found in some forms of crackers/toast. It's the BEST with hummus.

I haven't had 'soft' carbs in a month now and the bloating and icky feelings are all gone. Best yet is I don't crave them. I'm finding much more enjoyment in things that crunch.

I started phen on 6/21 which was about a week or more after I started cutting out soft carbs.

Rika - are you low carbing as well?

[My_3_Sons]

Sarah
Could list some of the whole grain carbs you are eating?
It's the best feeling when the icky carbs are out of your system.

[proud 2 be from the south]

thanks sarah for answering my ????

[SarahMJS]

I'll get the list together tomorrow. Almost all of them are whole rye grain and can be purchased at a grocery store as well as health food stores.

[RikaInFL]

Originally posted by SarahMJS:
My_3_Sons,

I had my fruit and a whole grain waffle very early in the morning and drank my normal water up to and through the appointment.

Because I was a carb-a-holic, cutting down to whole grain carbs, not even wheat flour, but WHOLE wheat flour made a huge difference for me. I found out the best to find is whole grain rye flour which can be found in some forms of crackers/toast. It's the BEST with hummus.

I haven't had 'soft' carbs in a month now and the bloating and icky feelings are all gone. Best yet is I don't crave them. I'm finding much more enjoyment in things that crunch.

I started phen on 6/21 which was about a week or more after I started cutting out soft carbs.

Rika - are you low carbing as well?

I guess I kind of am. I haven't really thought about it but I don't eat white rice, pasta, bread or potatoes. I stick with the whole wheat products if I do eat. I also started not eating starches after noon. It seems to have helped with the bloated feeling I was getting.

[happyfunball]

I understand the whole ketotosis thing but that low carb stuff is bs. Ketosis is an unnatural condition.

You will gain back all the weight once you get off of the no/low carb and you will have to because no one can live on that low carb nonsense. You really never want a piece of bread or pizza ever again?

Weight watchers or any other healthy diet plan is so much better if you intend to lose weight for more than just a few weeks...

Good luck though... I hope you are the one in a million who can make that meat and cheese diet work. Who ever really thought that eating as much meat and cheese as you wanted was a healthy way to lose weight, I mean really?

[mfriga]

I have done low carb many of times as well and loose quite a bit of weight but once I am done then I put it all back on and then some. My hubby does the same. Now I am like Rinka and just stick to the whole wheat carbs. I personally think any diet that totally cuts out one thing is not good and just puts us in that position to want more of it it later.

I know that it does work for some people, so hopefully you are one of them. Good luck and let us know how you do.

[My_3_Sons]

Originally posted by happyfunball:
I understand the whole ketotosis thing but that low carb stuff is bs. Ketosis is an unnatural condition.

You will gain back all the weight once you get off of the no/low carb and you will have to because no one can live on that low carb nonsense. You really never want a piece of bread or pizza ever again?

Weight watchers or any other healthy diet plan is so much better if you intend to lose weight for more than just a few weeks...

Good luck though... I hope you are the one in a million who can make that meat and cheese diet work. Who ever really thought that eating as much meat and cheese as you wanted was a healthy way to lose weight, I mean really?

LOL oh happyfunball, nice to see you posting again.
First-you have to know low carb to use it correctly. I can attest that I have maintained my goal weight after low carbing,for 3 years, which IS NOT a meat and cheese diet lol. That is where a lot of those that want to add a few unsubstantiated cents get it all wrong. Low carbing has made me healthier, better mental clarity and if you do it the RIGHT way, it is a great means of eating healthier. It really all depends on your body type, some of us are carb addicts others are not. Whatever works for you may not work for others and vice versa. If it works for me, that's all that matters. Please refrain from raining on a parade that helps some. Weight Watchers is good for you, and I agree it is a healthy diet, but it doesn't work for everyone. I know many life-time members that are still doing the plan to try to lose the weight they put back on.
If you do the low carb/South Beach diet correctly,and if you are truly up to date and knowledgable in how it works, it is achievable to maintain the weight lost and be a much healthier person than some that just restrict calories but include trans fats, bad carbs (and remember there are good carbs, many many good carbs), and sweets that are just simply lowered in calories. I eat vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole wheat grain products on my low carb dieting. Thanks for the input.
Best of luck in your venture.

[4everslim]

what is ketosis?

[SarahMJS]

Thanks My_3_Sons for your support. I know plenty of people that are lifelong WW people and have never hit their goal. I also know plenty that have put a lot of weight back on as well.

You are quite right in education is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating is a way of life and no two people are the same. I was a carboholic and it got me into a lot of trouble. Learning how to eat carbohydrates, what type, and how they affect insulin levels is very important. I am not labeling my eating habits as anything but learning how my body responds to different types of food and what is healthy for me.

I thought this was a place to come for support. I don't believe in WW, nor do I care for their concepts or plans, but I would not tell anyone on it that they are choosing the wrong path. Everything is an individual choice. We all choose our own journeys. Please don't condemn what you have may not have studied or fully understand.

To answer your question My_3_Sons, here are some of the things I have found quite tasty and filling that you may want to try.

Wasa Hearty Rye or Light Rye Crispbread
Kavli Hearty Thick Crispbread
Ak Mak Crackers
Trader Joes Whole Wheat Organic Pasta
Sahara Whole Wheat Pita
Organic Whole Rye Bread
Brown Rice (Success now has a boil bag)
Couscous
Any Kashi cereal

Some of these things have a high carb level, but they are complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic load, which allows your body to burn them slower.

So, it's not eating carbohydrates that is bad, it's the type that can make a difference in 'some' people's journey to lose weight. It's a complex mix of fats, sugars, carbs, etc and learning how your body responds. Some people need a jumpstart, while others don't. Some people need to change methods when they hit plateaus while others do not.

A good source of information if you're interested in learning more about the glycemic process is in a book called "Ultra Metabolism" by Mark Hyman, MD. He discusses Atkins, etc. and presents scientific facts about the foods we eat today compared to more healthy choices. I learned a lot from reading this book. The meal plan (in my opinion) ****ed, but the information in the first half is exactly what my dietician as well as my weight loss coach has tried to explain.

[mfriga]

sarah - I am sorry if I offended anyone about low carb and not sure who you were referring to in your last post. Yes this is a place for questions and answers and I was just saying what happened to me when I did it. I did not mean to put it in a mean or non supportive way. Everyone is different as far as what they can eat and not and what to do to take the weight off and keep it off.

Again I am sorry if I offended you, that was not my intentions. I wish you luck and I am sure you will do great.

[My_3_Sons]

Hi Sarah-
I agree whole heartedly with you! Thank you very much for your reply and look forward to chatting with you again

[SarahMJS]

mfriga -
Not at all. No need to apologize. Your reply was regarding your own personal experience, which is what we should all stick to, unless of course, someone is an expert in a certain area.

Thanks for your support~~

[mfriga]

Ok good...

[happyfunball]

Originally posted by My_3_Sons:

LOL oh happyfunball, nice to see you posting again.
First-you have to know low carb to use it correctly. I can attest that I have maintained my goal weight after low carbing,for 3 years, which IS NOT a meat and cheese diet lol. That is where a lot of those that want to add a few unsubstantiated cents get it all wrong. Low carbing has made me healthier, better mental clarity and if you do it the RIGHT way, it is a great means of eating healthier. It really all depends on your body type, some of us are carb addicts others are not. Whatever works for you may not work for others and vice versa. If it works for me, that's all that matters. Please refrain from raining on a parade that helps some. Weight Watchers is good for you, and I agree it is a healthy diet, but it doesn't work for everyone. I know many life-time members that are still doing the plan to try to lose the weight they put back on.
If you do the low carb/South Beach diet correctly,and if you are truly up to date and knowledgable in how it works, it is achievable to maintain the weight lost and be a much healthier person than some that just restrict calories but include trans fats, bad carbs (and remember there are good carbs, many many good carbs), and sweets that are just simply lowered in calories. I eat vegetables, fruits, lean meats and whole wheat grain products on my low carb dieting. Thanks for the input.
Best of luck in your venture.

Thanks M3S!

I don't mean to be rude and I do understand the whole carb thing and have actually lost a lot of weight following the original Atkin's diet years ago. The main problem is that it's essentially an unnatural and unhealthy way of eating and not just because of all the meat.

The reason I mentioned WW is that one of their main concepts, and one I totally agree with, is "portion control". This is something the no-carb/low-carb diets ignore which is why once you stop the diet you gain back all the weight and then some.

There are few shortcuts to losing weight, phen being one of them, but if you can't make any change permanent then the weight loss will not be permanent either. Changing behavior is key.

And I would like to say that I totally wish the original poster of this thread all the luck in the world... no joke.

[lovnlife]

I'm not an expert but this is my field of study at the moment. I don't consider what you are doing really no carb/low carb...it is just healthy eating. Cutting out the majority of refined carbs is the best thing for weight loss and controlling insulin levels. Keeping the complex carbs from veggies, fruits, and whole grains is the best way to go. Your body with thank you. I think when people hear low carb they automatically think Atkins and most people do gain back what they lose from Atkins but that doesn't appear to be what you're doing. Congrats on the weight loss Sarah and good for you on making healthier eating choices.

[lovnlife]

happyfunball - portion control is definitely important for alot of people too.

[RikaInFL]

This is the way I view it: you do what works for you. What you do shouldn't be just a "diet." It should be a lifestyle change. I'm not a proponent of the Atkin's Diet - far from it. I just choose to eat foods that are more rich in fiber. I also watch my portions. I have found that is what works for me. It may not work for the next person, but it works for me.