How To Get Out Of Ketosis

If you're no longer losing weight or following the keto diet, it could be time to go off it.
Slowly adding carbs back into your diet is key.
Learning portion control is also essential to not gaining weight back after going off keto.

So you've been off carbs for too long and are ready to quit keto. The biggest fear in discontinuing a diet may be weight gain, but changing your eating patterns dramatically can also leave you feeling confused about meal choices when you're used to having so many restrictions.

INSIDER consulted nutrition experts to help guide you in going off keto.

Don't add bread and other carbs immediately

Bread should be incorporated into your diet slowly.
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"One should get off keto when they are no longer losing weight or no longer following the keto diet," Reyna Franco, New York-based registered dietitian nutritionist told INSIDER. "At those times, the keto diet is no longer the appropriate eating plan. The length of time is individualized and based on the person's goals."

Read more: 12 keto diet horror stories that will make you think twice before trying it

But don't start binging on bread immediately.

" Reintroduce foods slowly to avoid any gastrointestinal upset and be mindful of your body's hunger cues," registered dietitian Haley Hughes said. " Don't go back to what you were previously doing and go straight for the junk food."

Hughes also suggested having a plan before you quit keto completely.

"Start with healthy balanced meals and snacks," she said. "Meet with a dietitian to assess nutrition needs to meet your goals and for support."

Avoid processed and packaged foods

"When transitioning off keto, one should slowly add carbohydrates," Franco said, advising that you should only add one serving of carbohydrates per day the first week, then two servings of carbs per day on week two.

"The body needs to slowly adjust," said Franco. "The first carbs should be fruits and vegetables to provide antioxidants, phytonutrients, and fiber. Continue to avoid highly processed, packaged foods."

Read more: Here's what actually happens to your body when you cut carbs

Plant-based carbs like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes are Franco's go-tos for healthy carbs because they supply essential phytonutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and protein.

Be mindful of portion size and eat a balanced diet

Re-gaining post-Keto weight can be scary once you reintroduce carbs to your diet, but eating healthy fats and lean proteins can continue weight loss.

"It is all about the quality, eat whole foods, not packaged or highly processed foods, and quantity," Franco said.

Being mindful of the serving size and portions of your meals, in addition to regular exercise, is essential.

"Learn portions sizes. Since you've been following a high-fat diet, you may need to review the appropriate serving sizes for protein, carbs, and fats so you don't overdo it," Hughes said. "Some people forget on a balanced diet you should avoid excessive amounts of sour cream, cheese, and bacon."

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