ketostick question

[misplaced southerner]

hi all!

well...i managed to get thru 4 days of this. it gets easier each day. i had a little headache and of course, wanted that sugar terribly but so far so good.

i have a question about ketosticks. i got some today to see how they work. i tested after i got home this afternoon and saw a huge change in the color so according to the stick, i am definitely in ketosis. later, after dinner i checked again (yea a little of that OCD in me!) and there was hardly any change at all. is there a "best time" to check for the most accuracy? i know i will not do it every day and never twice a day again.....please share your experience. thank you ....BTW....i am down 5.5 since monday morning!!

[StinaCintron]

Re: ketostick question

I'm currently on day 6 of induction and those sticks are the only things that really let me know that i'm doing something right!!! Someone told me that I should use the strips first thing in the morning because it is more encouragement for the rest of the day. For me it's true! When I see that stick turn red/purple I have more motivation to keep up the good eating for the rest of my day.

Good Luck!

[idahogirl]

Re: ketostick question

I go a little crazy with the strips im a little obsessive compulsive! LOL I have done it every time of day and I personally get the best reading in the afternoon. In the am it barely trace but during the afternoon it is purple. Maybe its just me!

Congrats on the 6 days! Keep it up!

[misplaced southerner]

Re: ketostick question

thanks for your advice. i have read so many different things...and yes that colorl change is motivating isn't it. i can't understand tho why it changes and then 2 hours later it looks "negative." i am trying not to obsess over this.

i read NOT to check in the morning...or right after exercising. i am not sure what i am doing wrong. when i see the dark color i am excited and then when it is not changed i wonder "what is the heck is going on?"

i read lots of stickies on the subject of ketosis...if any of you have experiences to share i would love to read them.

[Lyssie]

Re: ketostick question

You're not supposed to check in the morning or after exercising. You can still be in ketosis and have it appear almost negative (which is why it's good to use the other signs instead of just sticks). If you're drinking enough water, the sticks shouldn't be at the dark purple level. While I believe that they can be really fun and OCD like to watch change, keep in mind that they're just a tool and not the end all to ketosis and if you're doing it right...

[StinaCintron]

Re: ketostick question

I didn't know that! Thanks for the tip!

[Elizellen]

Re: ketostick question

In chapter 11 of DANDR Dr Atkins says

If you use lipolysis testing strips to measure ketone output, be sure to do so at the same hour each day.

It is a little like weighing - stick to the same time of day and same circumstances for the most consistent comparison.