NO LONGER IN KETOSIS?

[karenh1127]

I am in my third week of Atkins and have lost 9 lbs. I was in ketosis very strong until now. I am still eating the same things as the induction time so why would I suddenly not be in ketosis?

[Peytonn]

how do you know? are you using the strips?

(just wondering)

[Peytonn]

oh.. how rude of me... WELCOME... I'm sure somebody will know the answer...

the reason I asked how you know is this:

in the beginning.. I could TELL.... I had that weird taste in my mouth etc... after about 2 weeks.. I began to wonder... so THEN I bought the strips to reassure me...

and though the weird taste in my mouth had disappeared.. I was still in moderate ketosis

that's why I asked if you know for SURE..

[karenh1127]

Yes I have been using the strips and it was registering large amounts but this morning it was just a trace. I only test about every other day or so.

[karenh1127]

Also I have that awful taste too!

[Peytonn]

I've read someplace that it sometimes can depend on the amount of hydration/dehydration....

and testing at the same time of day......

the only day I showed strong ketosis... I knew I was really dehydrated from doing yard work... otherwise me me it's been mild to moderate...

so.. I guess I'm no help....

but doesn't a trace still mean it's working?

oh well.. the experts will be here soon to tell us both .. I hope..

[spirittalker]

You should measure on your keto strips in the evening several hours after you last ate. Also have you upped your water intake. Trace ketosis is still ketosis, like I always here moochie say, you either are or you aren't. If you have upped your water intake, that would account for the trace reading. Also keto strips only measure how many excess ketones are going out through your urine. It is not a measure of how much fat you are burning. Do not worry about the measurements until you move into OWL.

[Isabeau]

Don't go by the strips, in my opinion. If you're eating off the acceptable food list only, you'll be in ketosis. Ketosis is kind of like being pregnant, either you are or you aren't. The darker on the strips just shows the the concentration of ketones is greater in your urine at that time. So, if you're drinking all your water, the concentration is going to be a lot less. Not to worry, sounds like you're okay!

[msmagee]

I am only in my 5th week , but I have read so many posts about the ketostix, and they mostly say that they are unreliable. You can still be in ketosis and it may only show trace amounts if you are well hydrated. I mean, if you drink plenty of water. Oh and I also read where you should only test 1-2 hours after your last meal of the day and preferably at the same time everytime you test.

[karenh1127]

Thanks all! I can see now how water affects the strip. I am a huge ice tea drinker so not sure how that affects it but I will just keep on going!

[not2late]

Thanks all! I can see now how water affects the strip. I am a huge ice tea drinker so not sure how that affects it but I will just keep on going!

Alot of things can affect those strips--vitamin C and your menstruation can too.

So check out the FAQ board and look at the physicial signs of ketosis....

[america57]

Are you male or female? If you are female, they stop working the day before you are getting your period. They are very useful that way. Also, I go out of Ketosis every time I eat an Atkins bar.

[sadie147]

trace means you are still in ketosis. If the sticks turn dark purple it's a sign you may be dehydrated. If you are drinking alot of water it'll most likely register 'trace' and that's fine.

But like others have mentioned here they're really not always accurate.

[karenh1127]

Well I think I just found the answer! I was on my period. Just ended yesterday. Thanks for enlightening me!

[murphy'smom]

Re: NO LONGER IN KETOSIS?

How interesting! Thank you for that!