How to Get into Ketosis: 4 Proven Methods for Quick Results.

In this article, I will share my experiences with how to get into ketosis quickly, focusing on four proven methods that worked for me.

WHAT IS KETOSIS

Ketosis occurs when your body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates for energy and switches to burning fat instead. In this state, your body uses stored fat, converting it into ketones, which serve as an alternative fuel source.

To reach this metabolic state, you must significantly cut back on carbohydrates. Normally, your body relies on glucose (sugar) for energy. When glucose levels drop, it starts burning fat. Ketones, produced from stored body fat and dietary fat, are used by the liver to fuel the brain and other organs.

The key to achieving ketosis is depleting glycogen stores. Your body will only burn fat when it has no glucose available.

BENEFITS OF KETOSIS

• Appetite Suppression: Ketosis can help reduce hunger. This natural effect may lead to eating less and support weight loss.
• Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Eating fewer carbohydrates lowers insulin secretion. This is particularly helpful for people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
• Historical Relevance: Dr. Russell Wilder first used ketosis in 1921 to treat epilepsy in children, as noted in this article.

MY EXPERIMENT WITH KETOSIS

I don’t always stick to a strict ketogenic diet, but I practice ketosis regularly to keep my metabolism flexible. In 2020, I stayed in ketosis for ten months, which helped me manage my weight.

To track my progress, I use ketone sticks. Although they aren’t the most precise tools, they provide an easy and affordable way to check if my body is in ketosis.

I believe everyone should experience ketosis to allow their body a break from relying on sugar for energy.

MY 4 TESTED METHODS FOR GETTING INTO KETOSIS

1. EXTENDED FAST

Later, I deliberately ate a chocolate bar before fasting, and once again, it took me 30 hours to reach ketosis.

The first time I reached ketosis was during an extended fast. At that time, I was following a high-carb diet and wanted to see if fasting alone could get me into ketosis. I fasted and monitored my ketone levels, finally reaching ketosis after about 30 hours.

2. LIQUID FAT FAST

As I learned more about fasting and insulin, I started experimenting with adding fats like butter and coconut oil to my coffee. Inspired by Dave Asprey’s Bulletproof Diet, I created my own fat fasting plan that allowed me to consume calories while still reaching ketosis.

By drinking butter coffee 2-3 times a day, I reached ketosis by day 2 of my fast. My appetite decreased, and I felt energized and satisfied. I even started a fat fasting group on Instagram, where members shared their impressive results.

3. EGG FAST: A Delicious Shortcut to Ketosis

Then came the egg fast. At this point, I was eating relatively low-carb but still hesitant to commit to a strict diet.

In my experience, using eggs as my main meal, drinking butter coffee, and focusing on higher fat while reducing carbs made this experiment manageable.

What began as a planned 3-day egg fast quickly extended to 9 days.

Having tried the ketogenic diet several times, I noticed many followers used an egg fast to regain ketosis or overcome weight-loss plateaus. The enticing recipes for egg pancakes, egg bread, and egg-and-cheese chalupas, among other delicious options, convinced me to give it a shot.

I was curious to see if this approach would help me enter ketosis, how long it would take, and how it would make me feel. During my first attempt, I was already in ketosis; my second attempt focused on measuring the time it took to reach that state.

Ultimately, I reached ketosis within three days.

In conclusion, an egg fast is a speedy way of getting into ketosis if 

• you like eggs 
• you want a simple plan 
• you have a limited budget

You can read about my 9-day experience, how much weight I lost and what I ate here.

4. LOW CARB DIET

Finally, I experimented with a traditional low-carb diet that combined elements of fat fasting and egg fasting. Remarkably, I reached ketosis within three days, despite indulging in sugary birthday treats the day before.

My meal plan was simple and consisted of scrambled eggs with butter, beef burgers, fatty fish, kefir, and peanuts. To help boost ketone production, I also added MCT oil to my coffee. After sticking to this plan for three days, I successfully measured ketosis.

It took me 3 days to measure ketosis.

MY STRATEGY CONSISTED OF THESE STEPS:

FASTED TRAINING

The day after my indulgent celebration and sugar overload, I went to the gym. I did 45 minutes of cardio, followed by 15 minutes of kettlebell training. My goal was to help my body burn off the excess sugar and kickstart the fat-burning process.

MCT OIL

I also began using high-quality C8 MCT oil, which deserves its own blog post. I added it to my morning coffee to stimulate ketone production and provide quick, clean energy. Most mornings, I mixed a teaspoon of MCT oil with 1-2 teaspoons of butter and 1-2 teaspoons of virgin coconut oil. This created a rich, satisfying coffee that kept me full and energized throughout the morning.

MCT oil is particularly beneficial because the liver rapidly converts it into ketones. This conversion gives the body an immediate energy boost and supports ketosis without relying on carbs. This simple routine helped me stay in ketosis, curb cravings, and maintain my overall strategy.

MEAL PLAN

I selected a few meals I knew were very low carb and repeated those until I reached ketosis. I used the Groundhog day diet principles.

My meals for the first few days consisted of:

• my beloved kefir, 
• scrambled eggs in butter with some cheese, 
• beef burgers, 
• fatty fish for some healthy Omega fats, 
• and I also had some (more than some, if honest) peanuts. 

I measured ketosis on Day 3 without counting macros or calories. 

Each day, my focus was on strength training at the gym instead of cardio. During this time, fasting wasn’t part of my routine because keto coffee kept me satisfied until my first meal in the afternoon.

Symptoms of the famous “keto flu” didn’t appear for me. This absence likely results from my metabolic flexibility—my body can easily switch between burning sugar and fat based on what’s available. It feels empowering to understand how different foods and energy sources affect your body.

SUMMARY

• Fasting is the quickest and most reliable method to reach ketosis, typically within 24 to 36 hours.
• A modified fast that includes fats took me 2 days.
• An egg fast required 2 to 3 days.
• Following a low-carb ketogenic meal plan took 3 days.

You can speed up the process by practicing intermittent fasting, following a low-carb diet regularly, and incorporating exercise. These strategies help your body become more efficient at burning fat.