If you’re new to keto, you may come across terms, abbreviations, and acronyms that aren’t immediately clear. Even if you’ve been following a ketogenic lifestyle for a while, you may occasionally encounter unfamiliar terminology.
This glossary explains common keto terms in simple language, from macronutrients and net carbs to ketosis, ketones, and more. Refer to it whenever you need a quick explanation or refresher.
AS
Abbreviation for “artificial sweetener,” commonly used to describe sweeteners that have reduced or zero carb-count. Learn which artificial sweeteners are top-rated for keto.
ACV
Abbreviation for “apple cider vinegar,” often used as a dietary aid as well as a cooking ingredient.
Bio-Individuality
The concept that people can respond differently to the same foods or dietary approaches based on their individual characteristics and needs. Learn more about bio-individuality.
BMI
Abbreviation for “body mass index,” a measure of weight relative to height. It’s calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (kg/m²) and is commonly used to screen weight categories.
BMR and RMR
Abbreviations for “basal metabolic rate” and “resting metabolic rate.” The terms are often used interchangeably, although they differ slightly in how they’re measured. BMR is measured under strict conditions, including fasting and complete rest, while RMR is measured under less restrictive resting conditions. Both refer to the amount of energy your body uses to perform basic functions, such as breathing and pumping blood.
BPC
Abbreviation for “bulletproof coffee,” a high-fat coffee drink typically made by blending coffee with butter and MCT oil.
Carb Threshold
The maximum amount of daily carbs a specific person can eat and still remain in ketosis. This number varies from person to person due to bio-individuality. Testing your ketones is the most accurate way to learn your carb threshold.
CI/CO
Abbreviation for “Calories In/Calories Out,” a model of energy balance that compares the calories consumed from food and beverages with the calories the body uses.
Electrolytes
Minerals that carry an electrical charge and play important roles in fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction, and other essential processes. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium are the main electrolytes to watch when following a ketogenic lifestyle. Learn more about electrolytes.
EVOO
Abbreviation for “extra-virgin olive oil.”
Fat Adapted
The goal of a keto diet is to be “fat adapted,” or to have transitioned from burning carbs (sugar) for energy to burning fat (ketones) for energy. It generally takes several weeks of consistently being in ketosis to become fat adapted. Learn about the top 7 ways to know you’re fat-adapted.
Fat Bomb
A small, high-fat keto snack or treat typically made with ingredients such as nut butter, coconut oil, cream cheese, or dark chocolate. Fat bombs can be sweet or savory. Try this easy chocolate peanut butter fat bomb recipe.
GF
Abbreviation for “gluten-free.”
Gluconeogenesis
The process by which your body makes glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, primarily amino acids from protein, lactate, and glycerol from fat. Gluconeogenesis occurs mainly in the liver and helps maintain normal blood glucose levels when carbohydrate intake is low, such as during fasting or while following a ketogenic diet.
GKI
Abbreviation for “glucose ketone index,” a single number that reflects the relationship between your blood glucose and ketone levels and may provide additional insight into your metabolic health. It’s calculated by dividing blood glucose (mmol/L) by blood ketones (mmol/L). Calculate your GKI.
HIIT
Acronym for “high-intensity interval training,” a popular type of contemporary workout that features short bursts of intense exercise intermingled with rest or lower-intensity exercise.
HWC
Abbreviation for “heavy whipping cream.”
IF
Abbreviation for “intermittent fasting,” an eating pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting. Several approaches vary in the length and frequency of fasting periods. Learn more about IF.
IIFYM
Abbreviation for “if it fits your macros,” a flexible approach to eating that focuses on meeting specific macronutrient (macro) targets rather than eating specific foods. You can apply it to keto by setting macros that support a ketogenic diet.
IR
Abbreviation for “insulin resistance,” a condition in which the body’s cells don’t respond effectively to insulin, causing the pancreas to produce more insulin to help regulate blood glucose levels. Learn more about insulin resistance.
KCKO
Abbreviation for “Keep calm and keto on.”
Keto Flu
A group of short-term symptoms that some people experience when transitioning from a higher-carb diet to a ketogenic diet. Symptoms may include fatigue, headache, dizziness, irritability, and nausea. Learn about the keto flu and how to treat it.
Ketosis
A natural metabolic state that occurs when carbohydrate intake is low, and the body shifts toward using fat and ketones as primary fuel sources. Learn the top 10 signs you’re in ketosis.
Ketoacidosis
A serious, potentially life-threatening condition in which ketones accumulate to abnormally high levels and the blood becomes too acidic, usually due to insufficient insulin. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the most common form, occurs primarily in people with type 1 diabetes and is distinctly different from nutritional ketosis. Learn more about the difference between ketosis and ketoacidosis.
LCHF
Abbreviation for “low carb, high fat.”
Macros
Abbreviation for “macronutrients,” the nutrients the body needs in large amounts: fat, protein, and carbohydrate. On a ketogenic diet, macro targets typically keep carbohydrate intake low, provide adequate protein, and get the remaining energy primarily from fat. Learn more about macros.
MCT
Abbreviation for “medium-chain triglyceride,” a type of fat that is rapidly absorbed and can be converted into ketones in the liver. MCT oil is a concentrated source of MCTs commonly used in ketogenic diets. Learn about MCT oil.
Net Carbs
Calculated by subtracting the grams of naturally occurring dietary fiber in a food from its total carbohydrate content because fiber isn’t digested and absorbed as glucose. Some sugar alcohols may also be subtracted when calculating net carbs, although their absorption and effects on blood glucose vary. Learn more about net carbs.
NSV
Abbreviation for “non-scale victory,” meaning progress or an accomplishment that isn’t reflected by a change in body weight.
PCOS/PMOS
Abbreviations for “polycystic ovary syndrome” and its newly proposed name, “polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome,” a complex condition involving hormonal, metabolic, and reproductive dysfunction. Learn more about PCOS/PMOS.
SAD
Acronym for “Standard American Diet.”
SF
Abbreviation for “sugar-free.”
WOE
Abbreviation for “way of eating,” a term used to describe a person’s dietary approach.
We hope the information above helps you on your keto journey!
