Depleting Glucose Stores- returning to Keto mode
So… Thanksgiving hit first followed by My mid December birthday… immediately followed by Christmas. I had a victory dance when I only splurged on the actual days of the holidays/events and my lifestyle immediately went back to clean the following day however, this left me with large amounts of glucose stores that needed to be depleted. I need to use the stores up and go back to burning fat…but how long will that take!?
Fortunately for me, I work out 5-6 times a week, drink ample water and have VERY few “cheat days” a year. By Noon of December 28th, I was back into Ketosis. My last day off track was December 25th. When I am on track a majority of time (even in just a “lower carb fashion- eating less than 50 net carbs daily), Intermittent fast by skipping breakfast, bulletproof my coffee and ensuring I eat plenty of “good fats”; I can get back into Ketosis within 12-48 hours.
I know of some people who have taken up to 10 days to return to their fat burning mode. It truly depends on how much non keto diet foods you consume during your “splurge”, how long you are “off track”, how physically active you are, how many ounces of water you drink, how much “good fat” you consume, if you Intermittent fast and how strict you are sticking to keto. When I transition, I make sure to be as low carb as possible- logging and weighing in a very controlled fashion. Whatever I do,I make sure I DO NOT CHEAT. Once I go off my lifestyle and consume a higher amount of glucose, cravings can kick in. Sugar can be a mentally manipulating monster!
Long story short, returning to your fat burning mode can take anywhere from 12 hours to 2 weeks! While transitioning back, increasing your salt intake may help you avoid the “keto flu” but PLEASE consult with your doctor. This is just what works for me- I am not a doctor or nutritionist.