The deal with Ketosis

[beingguided]

Ok so things have been going fairly well for me the past week of induction. I bought some Ketostix Friday and was all excited to use them, but that excitement soon plummeted after this weekend. My stick won't turn purple. For three days I have been testing and testing again, but the best shade I could get was pink (small). Most of the time the dang thing is beige.
I have a question about splenda. I use Splenda in my coffee and tea. I also drink Coke Zero and Pepsi One which are sweetened with Splenda. Is this my problem? I weighed myself Friday, I started induction a week ago Monday. I had gained 1 lb. Soooo... I'm obviously doing something wrong here. The only thing I can think of is sweeteners. I guess I am confused about the use of them. Can someone help clarify?

[MsManners]

I know that it will be hard, but I would recommend dropping the sodas. I was a complete Dr. Pepper junkie, and stopping for the first few days was rough, but after the withdrawl, I have been losing steadily and I think that a lot of it comes down to getting off the sodas.

[Elsie150]

First...any color change on the stick means you are in ketosis. The goal is not to get it to purple. In fact if it is purple that could mean you are dehydrated. If you are drinking lots of water (and you should be) the ketones are diluted which will affect the color of the stick.

Second...you may be one of the unlucky ones whose body doesn't agree with artificial sweetners. How to tell? Cut them out for a week and see if that helps and be aware of the affects on your body if you add them back in again. Also be aware you are limited to 3 artificial sweetners a day.

[JimboK]

Mine turn only pink except after exercising (brisk walk/run for 35-45 minutes), when they get to the lightest shade of purple.

[beingguided]

Originally Posted by Elsie150

First...any color change on the stick means you are in ketosis. The goal is not to get it to purple. In fact if it is purple that could mean you are dehydrated. If you are drinking lots of water (and you should be) the ketones are diluted which will affect the color of the stick.

Thanks for this! I was getting really frustrated. I guess I just had the impression that it was best if the stick was plum purple and if it wasn't, well then I was doing wrong. I guess I was scared that since I have been in induction for 8 days, that it should be purple and since it was only moving up one shade or two then back down to none, then that meant I wasn't in ketosis and was apparently doing this all wrong.
I guess I just have a lot riding on this go 'round with Atkins. I started a few months back, but couldn't get past 5 days without have a carb binge. Now that I seem to be trucking through the days, following the plan to the best of my understanding and ability, I am a little sensitive to the idea that I am doing something that is causing me not to lose the weight. It didn't help that I weighed myself on the same scale I always do at the store and it said I gained a pound my first 5 days of induction. I haven't weighed yet this week. I am going to wait until this weekend, because I know if I don't see a loss, I will be devastated. Here's hoping!

[Elsie150]

Just remember if you are weighing in a store that you aren't doing it first thing in the morning naked and after your pee so anything you ate or drank before then will be reflected on the scale...also if you are wearing different clothes and shoes...TOM...if you had a high sodium day the day before. Take your measurements as you will find there are lots of times when we do not lose on the scale but the inches move. Also be aware that it is common to lose less the second week. IE..first week I lost 9 2nd week I lost 3. It is okay!! It is the total at the end of the two weeks that is more important than how it was obtained during the two weeks. Stay strong and legal and you will do fine!

[momtomany1]

Ketosis is brought about by a ratio of high fat to low carb. I know you are watching the carbs, but are you eating your fats? If you have posted your menu somewhere, point me to it, or let us know what you are basically eating. Number one beginner mistake, not enough fat in the diet. Very common! So let us know.

[Hullabaloo]

Good luck! I only lost 3 pounds so far and am on Day 11 of induction. It's so frustrating, I feel your pain! This post gave me an idea for myself, too. I use splenda in my one coffee a day, but there's splenda in my diet ice tea too. Hmmm....
It's hard to lose so many of the foods we love and see no results, but don't give up! (talking to myself too, lol)

[beingguided]

Well my stick turned a light shade of lavender today! I am still scared about weighing so I haven't done it yet. I have to weigh at the store, since my scale only accommodates up to 300lbs. I haven't gone. I do need to go to get foil, so I might weigh, but I am scared. I am scared that the weight loss won't be what I expect and I dont' want to feel discouraged.

[Elsie150]

I would suggest that if you are not finished your 14th day of induction that you don't weigh if you are feeling like you may be easily discouraged. Do take your measurements as sometimes the tape measure moves when the scale doesn't and vise versa. If you are sticking strict to the plan the weight will come off. Every body is different and does it in different ways. Some lose their weight steadily and some lose it in fits and starts or bits and bites. Stay strong...stay on plan and eat your veggies and drink your water...and move..every little bit helps. Even walking to the end of the driveway with DD and back.