Ketosis describes the metabolic process associated with burning stored fats within your body. Ketosis comes from a Greek word from the early 1900s. The meaning of the word is "producing ketone bodies." Ketone bodies are composed of three compounds which are all produced during the metabolism of fats within your body.
Glucose: Primary source of fuel
Glucose is sugar that comes from the foods you consume. Your body uses the glucose for energy. The amount of glucose in your body is reflected through your blood sugar levels.
Insulin: Transportation hormone
Insulin carries glucose from your blood into cells for storage and energy. When your body doesn't produce enough insulin, sugar will be in your bloodstream rather than in the cells for energy. Insulin resistance is when your body resists moving glucose from your bloodstream to your cells.
There are a few ways to induce ketosis - the state your body undergoes when it is burning stored fat rather than glucose. Instead of relying on carbohydrates for energy, fat becomes the primary energy source. Here are a few ways to induce ketosis:
- Fasting
Fasting is healthy for you if it is done correctly. You can fast for a day or two each week and only consume liquids such as water. This is only recommended for healthy and able bodied individuals.
- Reducing Carbohydrates
Research studies show that consuming 20 grams of carbs or less per day can induce ketosis. The intake of carbohydrates does depend on the person's size, build, and activity level.
- Get Active
The more energy you burn the better. Exercise is an excellent way to reduce the amount of glycogen stored in your body.
- Healthy Fats
You can't forget to add healthy fats to your diet. Don't consume too much of healthy fats, eat in moderation. Some examples of healthy fats are avocados, nuts, chia seeds, coconut oil, eggs, and fatty fish.
