About Melissa Anderson Expertise I have a Bachelor`s degree in biochemistry, researched metabolism and endocrinology for four years, and am currently attending medical school. Ask me anything and everything relating to Atkins and other low-carb diet plans!
Experience I've been on Atkins since 2001 and I'm still going strong!
Education/Credentials Professionally, I have a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, researched metabolism and endocrinology for four years, and am currently attending medical school.
Question I'm a 5"3 female, 174 pounds and am at 40% bodyfat, how many carbs can I eat and still remain in ketosis? I haven't exercised at all and am in perfect health. I want to eat half a cup of red kidney beans at 17 grams of carbohydrate a day, and 10 grams of fiber and eat another 72 slices of pepperoni at 3 grams of carbohydrate... to get my allowed 20 grams of carbohydrate a day. Can I remain in ketosis this way? I lose an average of one pound every 2 days on the atkins diet.
Answer Sarah,
Everybody's different. Nearly everyone will stay in ketosis at 20 grams daily. Most people can go up to 30-40 grams. Go up very slowly, about 5 carbs per week, and when your weight loss slows down you'll know how many carbs you can eat. You can also buy ketone urine testing strips at the drugstore. As long as they're positive, even faintly positive, you're good to go.
Melissa
