KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

[Dotultimate]

Ok. So i've been on atkins for a year - and I only bought ketosix around 3 weeks ago. I was on extended induction for 6 months, then first runs of OWL for 6 months (where I ate 25-28 carbs a day). I have NEVER cheated and I have never fallen off the wagon.

I've decided to budge the last 10 pounds because OWL did nothing but maintained my weight (CCL is 25g. Darn huh?) SO now i'm back on 20 or less a day - and i've been occasionally checking with ketostix....

All they say is TRACES always... I eat low low carb and I exercise 4 times a week. Why would it show higher conscentrate of them? Do you think its because i have been on it so long that my body has adapted and produces less?

Help!

THANKS!

- Dot

[Evermind]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

Because ketostix are not consistently correct.

In fact, they are pretty useless for many people, never reflecting the true status of ketosis.

I'd just stop using them, focus on your eating and exercise, and be patient.

[4everhopeful]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

Well, I can tell you that for me the stix will turn purple the second day but I cant always say they are acurate. If I do eat something bad, it will not be purple anymore. However, my friend who did atkins with me the last time around always had a negative result on the stix but ended up losing weight faster then I did. So I agree, I think for some people they work but others they dont. Just know that if you are not going over 20 grams a day then you are in ketosis...good luck!!

[Dotultimate]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

Thanks guys! I'll just power on! I need the motivation to exercise more than anything! I walk for an hour 4 times a week but i should really be jogging! I'm unfit but im no longer that overweight..... so i should amp it up

Thanks!!!

Luv Dot

[mitzimarie]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

Dot,

I just wanted to add that I have never used them and never will. That's just one head game that I don't need.

[Dotultimate]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

Thanks for your encouragement!

I'm just finding it to hard to lose because i dont have that much left to lose....

I've probably lost a bit under 1 kilo in 2 weeks of induction (with 4 times a week 1-2 hours brisk, hard walking).... thats about... 2.2 pounds... in two weeks

I really want to lose another 8 pounds over the next 8 weeks. I hope I can do it

[mitzimarie]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

Dot,

How tall are you?

[Dotultimate]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

I'm 5'4.

I'm 21....

I have already lost 25 pounds.... and then sat on rung one of OWL for 6 months, but have decided to get down my goal weight once and for all and reward myself by being slim, fit and healthy like I always wanted.

[ValidRouge]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

Dot, its taken me almost a year to get the last 10 lbs off. Something I struggle with is the need for the scale to read a certain NUMBER, or the tape measure to show a certain NUMBER. However, i *know* that with all the exercise I do that I am certainly reducing my body fat percentage and increasing my lean (and sexy) body mass. Think about people who really get into weight training....they actually PUT ON weight and get way way more toned and lean and sexy looking. So, at this stage of the game, one of the ways that I'm trying to learn to measure instead of what the scale says...but what my lean body mass is and to continue to lower my body fat percentage.

Now, this means that I don't have a "tool" to measure my progress on a daily or even weekly basis. I use the BodPod air displacement method to analyze my body fat...and it's pricey. So, I only have it done a couple times a year. I wage an inner battle all the time. The scale goes up and I start to panic...and I've actually backed off strength training. The RATIONAL part of my brain KNOWS that if I quit weight training my loss on the scale is MOST LIKELY loss of my muscle instead of the fat that I want to lose....but that IRRATIONAL part of my brain gets some kind of perverse satisfaction that the scale showed a loss.

I guess my point here is to start looking at other tools to measure your success. As you get closer and closer to goal, measurements, the scale and clothing aren't REALLY going to be good indicators of your success.

[Dotultimate]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

Thanks! I know it but I need to hear it!!

I dont do any strength training.... i'm a very week person (other than in my lower body).

I hope if i start to do some weights it might speed up my weight loss too. I know the last 10 can take a long time, but hopefully I can get there.

You look fantastic. Congratulations on your diligence!

[Evermind]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

Just remember that the scale will not be the indicator of the ultimate thin-ness on this WOE. Your measurements will.

Instead of using the scale, try measuring yourself every two weeks.

[Discolemonade]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

I just wanted to point out that those ketostix are like pregnancy tests either you are or you aren't, so ANY color means you're in ketosis. Your water intake will dilute the amount of ketones in your urine and the time of day is pertinent.

[Dotultimate]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

What time do you check? I usually have a look after work - because its the first pee i take at home that isnt as soon as i wake up...but by then i've probably had 2.5 l of water.

[purplecat]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

I think that I read in the Atkins book that some people don't reach ketosis due to a lack of L-Carnitine in their bodies. I just now bought some Acetyl L-Carnitine capsules that I started this week (just in case). My official start day for Atkins in 10/01/07.

[SunnySmile501]

Re: KETOSIS - why wont it let me?

I bought those evil stix and used them at the beginning, but never showed more than a trace. After losing 75 pounds in less than 5 months, I threw them away, because they made me feel like I was a failure, even though the weight was dropping off. They mess with your mind.

Sunny!