Newbie - Ketosis strip question

Debralynn · 07-31-2007, 01:51 PM

Hi there! I have been pretty successful over the last couple of months on Atkins, but tired of going it alone. I am so glad to have found this group!

My question: Have/are you using the ketosis strips? If so, what time of day and how often are you testing? I have mainly used them when I think I have stalled.

Rose1271 · 08-02-2007, 10:42 AM

I have used the keto strips. I don't use them much anymore. Last time I was on Atkins (4 years ago) I bought my one bottle to get me started. Once that bottle ran out, I didn't buy anymore. This time around, I bought my one bottle and still have some left (they're probably not good anymore). I bought them to re-assure myself that I was burning ketones and got myself into ketosis.

When I tested, it was my first morning urine. That was when the strips turned the darkest color. During induction, I would test throughout the day just to "make sure" that I was still in ketosis, but it was always the first morning potty time that was a definite test time for me. Now that I've re-trained myself on what I can and can not eat and gotten into a habit of my menu, I don't rely on the strips anymore.

Don't rely on the strips too much. They don't change color for some people and can also be an unreliable sign for ketosis. Plus they do expire.

Debralynn · 08-02-2007, 11:44 AM

Thank you so much. I appreciate your input!

LowCarbCherry · 08-02-2007, 12:19 PM

Rosie is right. I too used to rely on them and if they work for you they can be a great motivator. The problem is that MANY things can affect the color, for example.. if you drink a lot of water before doing the test ( for some odd reason I am waking in the middle of the night thristy as hell) So when I wake up and do the test, the strips will not be as dark as usual. If you ingest too much fiber, it will alter the test as well. For some people, eating sugar alcohols will afect the keto strip.. it basically its like a magic 8 ball... you'll never know what you will get. The best thing to go by is A) a carb count - I use fitday.com and b)the rate at which you are losing inches along with pounds. If you are losing ANY weight while doing atkins you are in ketosis. If you know your carb threshold and stick to eating around that number, you will be fine.

Again, nothing agaist the strip.. but I do find that the emotional dependence on the color could sabotage your diet... Just my humble opinion.

Good luck!

07-31-2007, 01:51 PM	#1
Debralynn MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: AZ Posts: 1,698 Gallery: Debralynn Stats: 222/147/135 WOE: Atkins, chasing after my 2 and 4 year old boys! Start Date: (1997, 2002, 2005) re-start June 1, 2007	Newbie - Ketosis strip question Hi there! I have been pretty successful over the last couple of months on Atkins, but tired of going it alone. I am so glad to have found this group! My question: Have/are you using the ketosis strips? If so, what time of day and how often are you testing? I have mainly used them when I think I have stalled.

08-02-2007, 10:42 AM	#2
Rose1271 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,363 Gallery: Rose1271 Stats: 238-22W (highest)/191.5-16W/135 WOE: Low Carb Start Date: Restart-April 2007	I have used the keto strips. I don't use them much anymore. Last time I was on Atkins (4 years ago) I bought my one bottle to get me started. Once that bottle ran out, I didn't buy anymore. This time around, I bought my one bottle and still have some left (they're probably not good anymore). I bought them to re-assure myself that I was burning ketones and got myself into ketosis. When I tested, it was my first morning urine. That was when the strips turned the darkest color. During induction, I would test throughout the day just to "make sure" that I was still in ketosis, but it was always the first morning potty time that was a definite test time for me. Now that I've re-trained myself on what I can and can not eat and gotten into a habit of my menu, I don't rely on the strips anymore. Don't rely on the strips too much. They don't change color for some people and can also be an unreliable sign for ketosis. Plus they do expire. __________________ Rosie started: 2-18-02 re-started:4-16-07 @ 213 lbs. 5' 1" 35 y/o Female 235/191.5/135 My MySpace My Facebook

08-02-2007, 12:19 PM	#4
LowCarbCherry Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: So Flo Posts: 47 Gallery: LowCarbCherry Stats: 215/185/140 WOE: Atkins for Life Baby!!! Start Date: June 2007	Rosie is right. I too used to rely on them and if they work for you they can be a great motivator. The problem is that MANY things can affect the color, for example.. if you drink a lot of water before doing the test ( for some odd reason I am waking in the middle of the night thristy as hell) So when I wake up and do the test, the strips will not be as dark as usual. If you ingest too much fiber, it will alter the test as well. For some people, eating sugar alcohols will afect the keto strip.. it basically its like a magic 8 ball... you'll never know what you will get. The best thing to go by is A) a carb count - I use fitday.com and b)the rate at which you are losing inches along with pounds. If you are losing ANY weight while doing atkins you are in ketosis. If you know your carb threshold and stick to eating around that number, you will be fine. Again, nothing agaist the strip.. but I do find that the emotional dependence on the color could sabotage your diet... Just my humble opinion. Good luck! __________________ I didn't gain it all in one week; therefore I can't loose it all in one week! Keep up the good work! 30pounds gone forever!!! 215 start weight 205 start Atkins (June 20, 2007) 188 first goal (August 2007) 176 second goal and midway point 160 third goal 150 fourth goal 140 final goal (75 lbs total)

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08-02-2007, 11:44 AM	#3
Debralynn MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: AZ Posts: 1,698 Gallery: Debralynn Stats: 222/147/135 WOE: Atkins, chasing after my 2 and 4 year old boys! Start Date: (1997, 2002, 2005) re-start June 1, 2007	Thank you so much. I appreciate your input!