How to Achieve Ketosis in a Low-Carb Diet

The term "in ketosis" refers to a ketone-based diet. When a low carb dieter is able to significantly reduce carbohydrate intake, the liver begins to burn ketones instead of glucose. Eventually (according to most low-carbohydrate diet plans) body fat will be burned for fuel causing significant and rapid weight loss. You can learn how to achieve a state of ketosis by following these steps.

Instructions

1

Set goals. To achieve ketosis with a low carb diet you need to follow the diet very strictly. Nutritionists who work with low carb diets warn the the process depends on how carefully and stringently you obey the rules of the diet. To make the diet easier, set a weight loss goal for yourself that includes the amount of time you will stick to the low carb diet.

2

Get your diet structure. There are a few different diet structures that you can use to achieve ketosis. The best known of the diets is the Atkins Diet, named after its creator, Dr. Atkins. You should look at the kinds of foods that are permitted and forbidden and when, and how much, you can eat according to the diet.

3

Start with induction. Induction is the term that Atkins uses to refer to the first part of his low carb diet, though all diets that aim for ketosis have an induction, or introductory, process. The induction process is the first two weeks of the diet during which you need to change your eating drastically enough to alter the way your body processes calories. The induction is one of the most important and sensitive parts of the diet so follow the first two weeks of dieting to a "T."

4

Limit the period of ketosis. In order to achieve an effective level of ketosis you should stick to the low carb diet's program of carb intake so the ketosis doesn't continue for too long. If you end up in ketosis for too long the pH levels in your body will raise to the point that you start to burn muscle instead of fat. So, while you should stick to the low carb diet strictly you should do so for only the prescribed amount of time in order to keep losing fat.