testing for ketosis...

[Peytonn]

I'm sure this is here somewhere... or in the book.. but somebody just TELL me.. what kind of test strips... where do I get them?

it's only day 4 and a half for me... but I'm committed to doing this thing...

but I feel like I'm not doing right.. since I'm not testing.....

I KNOW the ketosis has kicked in because the taste in my mouth is like I'm sucking on aluminum foil... :icondance

[Peytonn]

or maybe I should ask.. does everyone who is serious about it TEST? is it necessary?

[spirittalker]

It is not necessary to test. Especially if you have the metal mouth feeling. I personally am not going to test till I move to OWL because I know that staying under 20 grams of carbs keeps me in ketosis, testing is rediculous for me until I start adding more carbs in.

[Peytonn]

thanks.......

maybe I won't need to do it at all then

[Anubus]

Heres a link to the strips if you want to test:

http://www.netrition.com/lw_ketone_strips_page.html

[not2late]

The ketostix aren't necessary during Induction, provided you are adhering to the Induction Rules and eating off the induction foods list. They come in most handy for OWL and Pre-Maintenance phases where you will be increasing your carbs to your Critical Carbohydrate Losing Level and re-introducing more foods.

Some people do use those stix religiously during Induction as a psychological booster and find that to be helpful to them.

[Peytonn]

you'd think I didn't even HAVE this book.. I keep jumping around.. but I found it .. on page 137,, but thanks to you guys who responded..

[sjhatcu]

You can get them at Wal-Mart for like $15, I think they're called Metabostix, or something like that.

[soliwit]

I am doing this WOL since 2-1 and never even saw a stick upclose
You really don't need to worry Peytonn.
The taste in your mouth tells it all, although in time you get used to the taste and so you don't notice it anymore really, still, at a certain point you know that the way you eat is the right way and so you don't need to measure anyway.
Indeed like not2late says, they come in when you go to OWL.
How long were you planning to stay in induction ?

[lauralei]

can't you usually tell by the color of your urine too?

[soliwit]

no the color of urine doesn't say anything about you being in induction or not.

[Peterlock]

Hi :wave

Going by the color of urine isn't conclusive because it changes so much and is effected greatly by what vitamins, medications and supplements you take.

For instance anyone taking a vitamin B complex will notice a deep yellow color. I happen to like the Keto sticks they're good for motivation and it's always fun to see how deep you are into Ketosis.

That said, you really can't rely on Ketosis testing strips any more than scales - both can be misleading. Extra ketones can be released through breath and skin as well - not just urine. A neutral reading on a Keto stick doesn't necessarily mean you're not in ketosis. Best time to test is in the evening a few hours after you've eaten - I used to believe it was first thing in the AM, but of course it's not, your body has been without food or water for eight hours so the reading will be light and not accurate.

Instead of paying the premium for weight loss testing strips, I think the Bayer brand is better, they come in a plastic bottle with screw on top and a large full color testing panel along the sides. Most any pharmacy will have them or can order them for you - a bottle of 50 is about $9.00

Use them if you're partial to them and they motivate you, just make sure you take the readings with a grain of salt!

Peter ha

[Anubus]

Yea I kinda just use them for fun to see how DEEP I am in Ketosis.

[maysea]

i use them just to keep me motivated its nice to see you are burning fat for energy. :icondance

[Peytonn]

ok.. wally world only had one kind.. Ketostix... I bought them.. I did it...

it said 'moderate'...

'there's 2 levels of stronger color above that'

they were not too bad.. about 10 bucks for 50 strips..... and I do think it was a motivational thing...

I won't do it every day... but when I need reassurance that it's working.. it will be good to have them!