How Can I Tell If I Am in Ketosis?

How Can I Tell If I Am in Ketosis?

There are a few different ways to tell if you are in ketosis.  The easiest is just to test for the presence of ketones in the blood, urine or breath.

You can use the Ketonix brand tester to check for the presence of Acetoacetate in the breath.  The nice thing about a breath ketone tester is there is a one time cost and that’s it.  There is no need for the ongoing expense of test strips.

Alternatively, you can test for the presence of ketones in the blood or urine with different machines that use test strips.  The drawback to urine testing is ketones in the urine tend to fall off as your body begins to use ketones more efficiently so after a few months of ketosis, you may stop testing positive for ketones with urine strips but still be in ketosis.  Blood testing is the most accurate but requires you to pierce your skin every time you test which can be painful.

Common Signs That You Are in Ketosis

There are less exact methods you can use to see if you are in ketosis.

You will typically have a “fruity” taste in your mouth and your breath will take on the acetone smell of the acetoacetate ketones.

Your urine will take on a stronger smell as more ketones are in the urine.  Usually it will smell a little like meat.

Your appetite will begin to be suppressed as the body starts breaking down fat for fuel and your blood sugar levels stabilize.

You will have increased thirst to replace water stored in muscles

You will have increased urination as the body uses glycogen stored in water in the muscles

As blood sugar levels stabilize, you should have less sugar cravings

As blood sugar levels stabilize, you will have more stable moods

You may experience increased energy

You may experience increased mental clarity

As you continue on in ketosis, many of these signs will dissipate.  Your breath will return to normal, your water stores will regulate so there will be less urination, and your urine will smell normal.  Most of the other signs like supressed appetite, less mood swings, increased mental clarity and less sugar cravings will stay with you throughout the time you spend on the diet.

Have any questions?  Ask them in the comments below!

Don’t miss a post! Click here to sign up for our daily email!

Need more info about the ketogenic diet? How about a great support group? Join our Ketogenic Facebook support group!

How Can I Tell If I Am in Ketosis?

2 thoughts on “How Can I Tell If I Am in Ketosis?

  • I still haven’t lost any weight & it’s been weeks of no sugar or starch! But eating all these high fat foods I haven’t gained any either. Just really want to get losing, waiting for the increase in energy too.How long does it take to get kicking? Thanks

Leave a Reply

Leave a Reply to Aarn Farmer Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You Can Support The Blog By Donating Through Paypal
Disclaimer:  While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the information displayed on this website, My Sugar Free Journey makes no guarantee as to the procedures and information contained within. The publisher of this website will not be held liable for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of information displayed on MySugarFreeJourney.com. This website is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical professional.
Please note that any content created and/or advice followed using the methods suggested or any products recommended on MySugarFreeJourney.com will be done so at your own risk.
Please note: Posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. For more of our privacy and cookie policy, click here.
© 2015 - My Sugar Free Journey All Rights Reserved. No content on this site may be copied and reused in any form or fashion without express written permission.