Keto Tracking Simplified

Ketosis is a powerful way to optimize health, energy, physical performance, and weight loss. The ketogenic diet allows the body to switch fuel sources from burning sugar (glucose) to burning fat (ketones). But how does one know if they are in ketosis?  

There are several tools available on the market to measure actual levels of ketones; however, keep in mind that your body will let you know for free! Ketosis is not the end-all-be-all goal… instead, reach for the energizing health benefits that come from living fat-fueled.  

The Signs of Ketosis

Your body has the ability to tell you if you are in ketosis. Try listening first by looking out for these signs.  

Short-Term Symptoms

Starting off is not so great but no worries! These symptoms are typically only experienced at the beginning of a keto diet.  

Long-Term Symptoms

This is when the magic is happening! These symptoms are typically experienced once keto-adapted (when the body has adjusted to using fat for fuel).

  •  Increased energy and mental clarity
  •  Continued weight loss and decreased waist size (if this is your goal)
  •  Decreased appetite and cravings
  •  Increased physical performance  

The Most Common Tools Used to Measure Ketosis

Urine Ketone Sticks

These sticks measure excess ketones not being used for fuel and help to answer the question “Am I in ketosis?”. These are great to use in the very beginning stages of starting the keto diet, but results will fade away once the body has adapted to fueling off of fat.

Pros: Cheap, easy, painless. Cons: Least accurate and reliable over time; results are affected by hydration Recommended brands: Ketostix, Perfect Keto

Blood Ketone Meter

The “Gold Standard” of measuring ketones. Blood ketones are what the body and brain use for fuel.

Pros: Most accurate and reliable way to measure; can measure blood glucose as well. Cons: Strips are expensive, although relatively painless; requires pricking your finger for a drop of blood. Recommended brands: Keto-Mojo Blood Ketone and Glucose Testing Meter Kit; Precision Xtra Blood Ketone Monitoring Meter Kit Bundle

Breath Ketone Meters

More reliable than the urine strips but can sometimes vary in accuracy.

Pros: Easy, painless, reusable; one-time investment Cons: Expensive, but may be cheaper in the long run. Recommended brand: Ketonix

Apps Makes All The Difference

Macros? Ketones? Net Carbs?  

There’s A LOT of data we manage while following the keto diet to make sure our nutrition is as efficient as possible. Sometimes, it’s just too much to try to remember in our heads or jot down in a notebook. That’s why smartphone apps are taking a huge load off of our low-carb plates by storing, managing, and tracking this data for us.  

From nutritional info barcode scanners to virtual keto coaches, check out our 5 favorite keto apps that make living the keto lifestyle easier than ever.  

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!

Let's get healthy together! Tell your friends to join our 5-Day Keto Kickstart Challenge.