How to tell for sure if I'm in ketosis

[nowheateater]

I have been on a keto diet for almost a month now and did my first carb up after 3 weeks in.I had only shown trace on the ketostix once maybe twice in my 3 rd week . I have made progress losing weight and feeling better overall . But if understand this if I'm not actually in ketosis. I could be using protien for fuel of worse muscle? So after this weekend carb up which was more of a half day lunch and diner carb then back to my 60/35/5 I am still not showing on the stix 3 days later... Is there another way to tell if I am actually in ketosis ? I have read about the keto breath and my wife had told me last week my breath was funky so maybe I was and only showing trace but I'm showing nothing now. I am strict and do not cheat I do eat alot of green veggies can you over do them ? Also drink coffee 1 cup in am and sometimes 1 in afternoon with only cream and had used a few tic tacs for breath . Just want to try to make sure I'm losing fat while keeping as much muscle as possible

[NCepeeist]

I have been on a keto diet for almost a month now and did my first carb up after 3 weeks in.I had only shown trace on the ketostix once maybe twice in my 3 rd week . I have made progress losing weight and feeling better overall . But if understand this if I'm not actually in ketosis. I could be using protien for fuel of worse muscle? So after this weekend carb up which was more of a half day lunch and diner carb then back to my 60/35/5 I am still not showing on the stix 3 days later... Is there another way to tell if I am actually in ketosis ? I have read about the keto breath and my wife had told me last week my breath was funky so maybe I was and only showing trace but I'm showing nothing now. I am strict and do not cheat I do eat alot of green veggies can you over do them ? Also drink coffee 1 cup in am and sometimes 1 in afternoon with only cream and had used a few tic tacs for breath . Just want to try to make sure I'm losing fat while keeping as much muscle as possible

If your wife says your breath is different (metallic, sweet, "off") I would safely assume your in ketosis.

[nowheateater]

She said funky... And asked me to use some mouthwash I have read the stix are not the most reliable. Is there another way/test to make me feel better about it ? Also do I have to carb up every week or can I just do cheat meal or maybe halfday like I did every 2weeks or do I run the risk of losing muscle ? I was thinking longer in ketosis more of my (lovehandles) will burn off

[Schoonie]

ketostix are garbage man.... the more experience u have under ur belt with this diet, u'll just know. Breath changes, piss smells, fall asleep faster. Those are the 3 main symptoms for me. but u should know, if ur following the diet and not cheating, ur gunna be in keto! It shouldnt be a guessing game and you shouldnt need the stix for conformation!

[rob2093124]

ketostix are garbage man.... the more experience u have under ur belt with this diet, u'll just know. Breath changes, piss smells, fall asleep faster. Those are the 3 main symptoms for me. but u should know, if ur following the diet and not cheating, ur gunna be in keto! It shouldnt be a guessing game and you shouldnt need the stix for conformation!

^this. think about it OP... if you are eating low in carbs, your body will eventually need to use fat primarily for energy, so you will be in keto as Schoonie said.

[nowheateater]

My concern was my body turning to protein for fuel all though I dont think It will if I keep my ratios at at least 60/35/5 or so I have read... Was just looking for some piece of mind. I guess your right though I do feel good ,don't eat any direct carbs and am seeing progress so that should be evidence enough Ty any advise on carb up ? I don't seem to feel so great after I go high carbs. Thinking 1 or 2 cheat meals every 2 weeks.. Should I do a low fat breakfast? Ie: egg white and veggie only then carb pwo ?

[Schoonie]

"Under ketosis, fat is the very first option for energy ahead of anything else."--- hit ur daily fat intake, hit ur daily protein intake... u shouldnt have to worry about the body using the protein to fuel the body. result: muscle sparing diet.

no, why would u do a low fat breakfast on a high fat diet? and why would u carb PWO on a carb deficit diet? (unless its a TKD, then it should only be roughly 25 g's)

[nowheateater]

I am talking about carb up after last depletion workout . I don't want to do a whole day of carbs or even every week . I was asking if I do say lunch and diner carbs after my last workout I should keep my breakfast low fat? As I understand when doing carb up you go for low fat