Ketosis - Day 6

As I happily skip into day 6 of ketosis, I am surprised to be loving it!  I read so much about the "keto-flu" that occurs during the first few days of ketosis; I was dreading feeling that way.  But here I am in full keto-mode (check with Ketostix) and feeling really good. Of course, I want to share my theories on why and what seems to be working for me.

As your brain and body adapt, ketone levels rise and the muscles switch over to burning fat for fuel. During this process the body loses a lot of water (as well as potassium, magnesium and sodium), thus you become dehydrated and basically feel like you have a hangover/flu. Being a good little Girl Scout, I was prepared (that might be the Boy Scout motto).

First and foremost, drink lots and lots of water, then more water, other sugar-free drinks and then more water! I also found a great supplement that replaces all those very important minerals that get lost during ketosis. (Maybe they need Google Maps since they keep getting lost.) Yep, I figured it out and I am not telling, just kidding; here is a link: Ionic Magnesium. I also added a Vitamin C supplement, because as cool as pirates maybe, I don't want scurvy.  For good measure, I added really good probiotic; good probiotics are sold refrigerated and need to stay refrigerated at home.

The shot glass is how much Ionic Magnesium is in a dose.
Note: It tastes awful, add water and take it like a shot.
Then, chase it with something that tastes good.

Flora Adult's Probiotic (store in refrigerator)

Even with the supplements and all the water, there were a couple times that I started to feel a little tired or weak, so I ate fat and a little protein and it helped very quickly. 

Here is the most exciting part for me, I have been sleeping better!  Turns out that high fat diets can help with REM Sleep and deep sleep (SWS) - Bonus! 

Also,my heart rate has been about 20 BPM (beats per minute) higher than normal.  I can't find any scientific research that studies this specific side effect, but there are lots of blogs and forums noting the same effect.  I am theorizing it is my body adapting to using fat for fuel instead of carbs and when the adaptation is complete (2-4 weeks) my heart rate will return to normal. 

Overall, I am feeling great. I have dropped 1 lb; I consider this to be a good thing, because it means my body isn't just dumping water weight and I am staying well hydrated. Eating this much fat feels counter-intuitive, and yet oh so amazing!

Anyone else considering jumping on this train?  I will have some of my favorite keto-foods in my next post. Stay tuned...

Chelle