Intermittent Fasting and the Keto Diet often get lumped into the same sentence as two protocols that are similar or the same. With the field of Nutrition's shift to focusing on actual fat breakdown vs. just calorie restriction, these two protocols fit the bill and therefore are commonly combined. BUT just because they both have the same end goal of increased fat burning, it does not mean they are the same thing.
Ketosis is a natural state within the body that both Intermittent Fasting and the Keto Diet tap into for many of the fat burning and mental clarity benefits.
Today, I'm going to be breaking down exactly what ketosis is and how Intermittent Fasting can help you achieve this "fat burning" state. Buckle up, we're about to get EXTRA nerdy with the science-y deets in this one 🤓
First... What IS Ketosis?!
With the Keto Diet being one of the most searched terms on the internet, there aren't too many people who haven't at least heard of the diet. The Keto Diet can easily be misinterpreted as ketosis itself. The diet does utilize ketosis, but ketosis itself isn't the Keto Diet.
So then... what is it?
When blood ketone bodies measure at approximately 0.5mmol/L, then you are in a state of "ketosis". This typically occurs from either a low carb diet due to the lack of available blood glucose for fuel or with fasting. (See the photo above for a ketone reading example)
Does Intermittent Fasting Cause Ketosis?
Ketosis is a process that occurs when the body is using fat as fuel vs. carbohydrates. Ketones are formed by the breakdown of fat. During a fasted state, insulin levels are low because you aren't eating - this low insulin (and simultaneously higher glucagon) is what stimulates fat breakdown (ie fat loss) and ketone production. When fat is broken down for fuel, ketones are formed as the "end product" of fat energy production. This ketone "end product" can now be shuttled to pass the blood-brain barrier and be used as fuel by the brain. This is one of the theories for why mental clarity is so often associated with Intermittent Fasting.
To put it simply, two main factors can cause ketosis and the resulting increase in fat burning: the Keto Diet and Fasting. Do you need to use the Keto Diet to achieve ketosis? Nope. You can use Intermittent Fasting, especially when paired with proper Nutrient Timing to maintain a higher fat burning state without having to drastically decrease your carbohydrate intake.
In order to optimize ketosis for increased fat burning, it's essential that you use Intermittent Fasting properly. Join thousands of AENpeeps around the world, like Lane in St. Louis and Kitty in Arizona, in utilizing the Complete Intermittent Fasting Bundle guidelines to achieve your wellness dreams!
Head over HERE to get started!
Your Nutritionist,
Autumn
Autumn Elle Nutrition
