A keto diet plan can be a big change for your system, but given that the effects are largely internal and metabolic, it can be hard to know when you’ve entered ketosis and that the diet is working. Luckily, there are a few indicators that you may notice while experiencing ketosis while sticking to a keto meal plan.

Mental Acuity and Focus

A key symptom, which people are often quick to point out while in ketosis, is increased mental acuity and an improvement in their ability to focus throughout the day. This is a very helpful benefit of a keto diet.

But why is this? Well, the primary dietary fuel source of ketones (protein and fat) digest slowly, which results in a constant and sustained amount of fuel. This is then drip fed into the bloodstream over several hours. This subsequently prevents ebbs and flows in your energy levels throughout the day that are generally caused by a high intake in refined carbohydrates.

Followers of the keto diet love their improved ability to stay focused during the day and find they’re less likely to experience the daily 3pm slump.

Bloodstream

A much more accurate way to measure ketone levels is to test your blood ketone levels. These tests can be conveniently found at most chemists. As your body begins to burn fat and produce ketones ahead of carbohydrates for energy, naturally, your blood sugar levels will decrease and your blood ketone levels will increase.

These specialised pinprick test meters are similar to those for testing blood sugar levels in diabetics and are available to give you an accurate reading. This should tell you how effectively your diet is working.

Reduced Sugar Cravings

Another beneficial symptom of a keto diet and its related slowed digestion is the effect it has on your appetite. Many keto converts have found they don’t feel the need to snack as often. This is due to foods consumed as part of a keto diet taking a much longer time to digest. This prevents a significant rise in the hormone Ghrelin, which is produced to send a signal to the brain so you feel hungry.

This style of eating results in a sustained level of satiety for many hours after a meal, which allows the person to feel in control of their intake. Consequently, they won’t feel constantly hungry 30-60 minutes after they’ve had a meal.