Ketosis is a natural metabolic state where the body shifts from using glucose to using ketones — molecules produced from fat — as its primary energy source.
When carbohydrate intake drops below approximately 50g per day, liver glycogen depletes within 24–48 hours. The liver then begins converting fatty acids into ketone bodies: acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone.
Ketones cross the blood-brain barrier and fuel the brain more efficiently than glucose in many contexts. They also reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
You can measure ketone levels via blood meters (most accurate), breath analysers, or urine strips (less precise). Optimal nutritional ketosis = 0.5–3.0 mmol/L blood ketones.
Adipose tissue releases stored fatty acids into the bloodstream. The liver converts these into ketones. Muscles and the brain run on ketones instead of glucose.
Keep your meals high in healthy fats with our keto main dish recipes and choose from our gluten-free keto options for added variety.