Not sure if this is the right place to post this question...

I am completely off grains/sugar for two weeks and was wondering - how long does it take to go into ketosis if you haven't done it (knowingly) before? I am up to day 6 and no ketosis yet!

thanks
kath

I believe ketosis per se is not recommended for As.
an A friend of mine felt terrible eating protein and veggies.....
and so have many As, not eating grains, legumes and carbs.
I would reconsider my options if I were you.

thanks for your reply Lola.

I am having terrible cravings today for sweet things...

I wonder why ketosis isn't good for As. I would have thought it would suit them as too many grains/sugar aren't good for us anyway.

Going into ketosis and cutting out sugars and cutting back on grains is two different things. You can do the latter without going into ketosis.

My first recommendation would be to get your secretor status tested so you know what version of the BTD you should follow. The correct diet may help you solve your sweet cravings.

I think it would be a rare person who would go into ketosis eating the recommended levels of vegetables and fruits for type A (and really for any of the blood types, for that matter; even O).

i agree apositive I have not eaten grains or sugar for over 4 years and have never gotten close to ketosis

This is interesting to hear -

LauraP, how do you know you haven't been in ketosis if you've been without grains/sugars for a long time?

Quoted from katht

This is interesting to hear -

LauraP, how do you know you haven't been in ketosis if you've been without grains/sugars for a long time?

katht, I'm not LauraP but I will put in my 2 cents if you don't mind, until LauraP can answer your question.
We eat alot of vegtables to be in ketosis so you don't need to test it.
From what I remember from doing Aikens years ago, you would have to eat under 30grams of carbs be in ketosis. I used to eat protein all day with no carbs whatsoever for the first 2 weeks (not healthy) in order for me to be in ketosis. Lost weight but I felt lousy   If you don't mind me asking, what are you trying to accomplish?

Istreat,

my naturopath suggested it just for two weeks. We just noticed that I had put on body fat and a few kilos in weight despite the last six months being very intense, exercise-wise.

I haven't been super strict with it - I think I'm eating more veggies and protein than I'm supposed to - but I am really missing my oats in the morning.

I guess it has just been a strategy to lose a couple of kilos. I follow the blood type diet about 90-95% of the time and my diet is very good.

I might have lost one or two kilos this week but I'm not sure if it's all worth it for the resulting lack of energy that I feel.

kath

Quoted from katht

We just noticed that I had put on body fat and a few kilos in weight despite the last six months being very intense, exercise-wise.

The very intense exercise could be your problem. Your cortisol level may be elevated. This is an important issue for a type A and can easily cause weight problems.

Have you read LR4YT?

Also read: Exercise, stress and your blood type

Hello MoDon

Thanks for your reply. I have not read LRFYT yet.

That article is interesting. So my aim as a type A is to reduce stress levels and thus reduce cortisol levels. You're right - my weight gain it is probably linked to strenuous exercise more than food.

..However, I have made some personal commitments in regards to my exercise which I am determined to follow through with. I suppose this will have to be counter-balanced by more regular yoga and making that a priority!

I strongly suggest you read LR4YT. It takes the BTD to a whole new level compared to ER4YT.

It sounds like you understand what you need to do. I hope that helps.

I will track down LR4YT.
Thanks MoDon.

kath

Katht-

I agree I eat a good amount of veggies and protien, which most likely prevents ketosis.  I can't promise you I never do, especially at times that I am especially low carb.  I do occassionally check my urine with a stick, but not often.  Also remember due to the individual biochemistry we all have, everyone goes into ketosis at different levels, some have a really hard time going no matter how low.  Also there is a definte feeling, mouth feel, ect when you are in ketosis.  I am not one who thinks ketosis is nessesarily a bad state, but it is hard on the body and will raise cortisol levels by it's very nature, not good for type A.  I don't think it is nessesary for you to lose weight, a healthy diet will do a better job.  If I was you I would stay grainfree for a good while, eat compliently lots of veggies, a small amount of fruit, lots of good fats and lean protien.  

As for exercise, I am a competitive runner, I frankly wouldn't worry about it if you want to do vigorious exercise.

Laura

Hi LauraP

It's good to hear that other type As are out there doing intense exercise! I've just started on a triathlon journey this year and intend to be on it for quite some time.

How do you find your running goes without carbs like grains in your diet? I'm missing my oats in the morning at the moment but perhaps my body will soon start to take energy from protein instead...

And also, what do you eat before you race/the night before?

katht

Wow. Please don't think I'm stupid but what exactly is Ketosis? Do you want to achieve it?
I always thought it was a bad thing.
Will someone please explain.

TIA

http://www.dadamo.com/forum/archive5/config.pl?read=13079
this thread might help answer your question....

To update everyone,

I have been two weeks without grains and sugars now and I've started feeling good. The ketosis thing never happened but I think it's because I'm eating lots of veggies. I think I'll stick with this for a while - I haven't done any super long endurance sessions yet so will be interested to see how my energy levels go.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

katht

Quoted from katht

I have been two weeks without grains and sugars now and I've started feeling good. The ketosis thing never happened but I think it's because I'm eating lots of veggies.

I'll be interested to hear what your secretor status is...I'm still toying with the idea of no grains/sugars but can't seem to make it past 4 days...the weekends are tough for me (especially when rafting).

Are you checking the number of carbohydrates you are having a day.  Carbohydrates are in most things white flour, potato, milk cheese, ice cream, sugar, plus fruits and vegetables.  Check your tofu pkg and see if they are in it also.  What are you eating, you said stir fries, that sounds great but are they vegetables and meat only plus spices that are compliant, or do you add something to thicken it like flour, tapioca, egg yolk.  Most vegetables that are green can be freely eaten if compliant, each serving of fruit is 15 carbs or more depending on size.  A banana is usually counted as two or three fruit servings depending on size and ripeness of it-4-6in. 15g Carb, 3 inch apple, 15 carbs, 1 orange 15 carbs
one half grapefruit 15 Carbs.  Green Beans 4 oz, 5 Carbs  starchy beans are higher in carbs more like 15 or more per 1/4-1/2 c depending on kind of.  

How many carbs are needed to go into ketosis? Is it the same or different with different people?  I read if urine color gets darker you may be in ketosis, may be a good time to check,  but isn't this also hard on the kidneys and can't they go into failure, if one stays in ketosis too long? Or does it depend on Blood Type?

I googled 'ketosis', and found out that it is considered a pathological state associated with starvation.
Why would anyone want this?
namaste
ruthie

I don't think it's that Type As CAN'T do intense exercise, I think it's that it isn't the best way to lose weight. I notice that when I intensely exercise, I do not see changes in weight. In fact, I sometimes gain weight: despite diet. When I back off of intense exercise and take it down to walking and more meditative exercise, I slim down. This doesn't mean that I don't intensely exercise at time, but that, if weight loss is my goal...I back off the more fight or flight exercises such as lifting and running.

My naturopath who is BTD-based constantly reminds me of this.  She says, "As don't lose weight through exercise........"

Quoted from ruthie

I googled 'ketosis', and found out that it is considered a pathological state associated with starvation.
Why would anyone want this?

Atkins considered it a good state for weight loss.  I don't remember all the rationale . . . but presumably in ketosis the body was losing fat rather than muscle, and more rapidly than calorie reduction methods so as to keep one motivated; and in ketosis the body did not experience the sensation of hunger as readily (as a protective mechanism because it is associated with starvation, I guess) so it is easier to stick with the programme.

Quoted from outdoordrea

I'll be interested to hear what your secretor status is...I'm still toying with the idea of no grains/sugars but can't seem to make it past 4 days...the weekends are tough for me (especially when rafting).

Drea, the fact that you can't go longer than four days grain free indicates to me that you NEED to

My naturopath who is BTD-based constantly reminds me of this.  She says, "As don't lose weight through exercise........"

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I think you're right, Connect, it seems as though for me that diet is what makes the difference whereas I can be doing insane amounts of exercise and nothing changes!