Fat adaptation is a process in the body where it goes from burning glucose for fuel to burning fat for fuel. It’s important to note that fat adaptation doesn’t happen overnight and should not be confused with ketosis.
* What is ketosis?
When you reduce your consumption of carbs to about 25 grams a day or even cut all carbs out, after 24 to 48 hours the glycogen levels in your body will be depleted. A body that’s used to burning glucose for fuel will now have no choice but to tap into its fat stores for fuel.
So, the liver will start metabolizing the fat and creating ketones for the body to use. This process is known as ketosis.
* What does it mean to be fat-adapted?
Being fat adapted means that burning ketones for fuel is your status quo. Usually, it takes about 6 months for your body to become fat adapted. What that means is that even on days when you consume carbs, you body still uses ketones for fuel.
Initially when you’re starting off with the keto diet, your body can be easily thrown off ketosis the moment you consume more carbs than you should and elevate your blood sugar glucose.
Your body which is accustomed to burning glucose for fuel is waiting for that glucose. So the moment it gets some, it says “Heck with the ketones. I’ve got glucose now!”
This is why keto dieters use keto strips or ketone meters to track their ketosis. It’s easy to get out of ketosis if you slack off for a minute and are lax with your diet.
When you’ve been maintaining a state of ketosis for several months, your body gets used to burning fat for fuel. It no longer depends on glucose and using ketones for fuel is the new normal.
Now you’re fat-adapted.
Most endurance athletes and fitness models aim for this goal because it improves their physical performance and maintains their bodyfat percentage much more easily.
* Benefits of being fat-adapted
For starters, you’ll not have food cravings all the time. One of the disadvantages of burning glucose for fuel is that it runs out. The only way to get more glucose will be to consume carbs.
So, your life revolves around getting food to fuel your body. This is one reason why the moment people don’t eat at the time they’re used to, they start having hunger pangs and crave food.
Until they eat, they’re in a state of discomfort and their mind is constantly thinking of food.
When you’re relying on ketones for fuel, your body will just access its fat stores. Even people who seem slim have enough fat stores for the body to access in times of need.
So, you’ll be able to get by without suffering until you can get a meal.
Being fat-adapted means that you’ll be less likely to gain back any weight you’ve lost. This is a common problem for those who lose weight. The moment the start eating more calories, the weight returns rapidly.
When you’re fat-adapted, your weight will be the same and not creep up.
If you can maintain the keto diet for 6 months or longer, your body will become fat-adapted and you’ll feel great. You can be slightly laxer with your diet and will not need to constant worry about being in a state of ketosis.
Stay on this diet for the long run and enjoy all the benefits that come from going keto. It truly is one of the best diets on the planet.
