Word of warning about those ketostix

[Evermind]

You do NOT want the color to be deep purple. That would indicate that you probably aren't sufficiently hydrated.

You want it to be a PALE color. ANY color indicates ketosis. What you want, when in ketosis, is to be drinking a TON of fluids (thus turning the stick a very light color) in order to flush out the ketones.

If you don't, several things may happen:

1. You may develop kidney and bladder problems.

2. You will definately not drop pounds as fast.

3. You could actually stall.

So, if your stick is purple, don't cheer and think it means you are going to burn a lot of fat faster. Instead, grab a bottle of water and start chugginng!

[Outback Jess]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

Interesting point there Evermind.

[Evermind]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

Thanks! I remember two years ago when I did this woe. There were three women in the space of 2 weeks who came down with severe kidney problems and had to go off Atkins completely. The drs. had no problem with the woe, but told the women that they had damaged their bodies by not keeping super hydrated while in ketosis! Two of the women had always been so proud of always being in "deep purple".....

[PeachyQ]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

OMG! This is good to know. I had not heard of this before and here I am thinking I need to get into the purple. I am MODERATE 40ml's is that okay? or dangerous????

[booklady]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

My doctor was very supportive of Atkins, but warned me to drink enough water as stones were the problem people had on the plan if they did not drink enough water.
I also know that for me, and I can only speak for myself, if I drink four liters of water a day, I lose really well, I can lose a half pound a day, but without that much water it can be a half pound a week. I am making a point to drink plenty of water and get my four liters in.
I do not waste my time with the strips because even when I am in Ketosis , if I am drinking that much water, unless I test right when I get up, it does not show up. Only when I first wake up. So, I do not bother. If I am on plan and things are going well, I just do not worry about it.
But drink up everyone, the water is extremely important !!!
Stephie

[Evermind]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

Peachy - moderate is ok, but try to get it lighter. How much h2o are you drinking per day?

[ThinSoon]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

I think this makes perfect sense! I know the days when I don't get enough water, it is deeper color! Usually, I get in at minimum 80 ounces of water and it's at the light pink area and I'm losing.

Thanks for the information!!!



Tracey

[kislandmom]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

Thank you for the info. I used to try for deep purple and get very depressed when it wasn't there and that would sabotage my efforts I think. I did not buy the stix yet for this time around. Perhaps I will stick to the measuring tape as my guide.

[booklady]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

There is nothing wrong with using the sticks as one of your tools, but if they can cause you to get upset, like the scale does for some people than you are better off without them.
Your clothes and measuring tape are not going to lie to you and the scale and the sticks can be inaccurate at times.
I figure if scales, keto stix and measuring tapes did not excist, we would know when we were at goal by the way we looked. Not a number, whether it be tape or scale.
That said, for now at least, I do weigh myself every day, but would not hesitate to get rid of ithe scale if it got between me and my goals.
We all just have to find what works for us and keeps us the sanest and go from there !!!
Stephie

[BeanPole]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

*bumpies* because this is a great thread and I need to remember this...I *was* a proud member of the "deep-purple" club. Now I know that I need to drink up. Maybe thats why I've been stalled. I'm terrible when it comes to drinking my water...

[Evermind]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

bumping this up as a reminder

[stargazer78]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

Thanks for the reminder about water.
It helps to hear about your personal experience - i.e. you can lose so much more when hydrated. I hear about the benefits of water over and over (and I do drink my share), but *you* adding your own experience gives me inspiration.
Cheers!

[DigitalMocking]

Re: Word of warning about those ketostix

I'd take the word of warning one further:

Don't bother with ketostix at all. Eat by the book, drink water and exercise, a color on a stick has nothing to do with the program working for you or not.