Ketone Testing Strips (did you use them?)

[Bloomer]

I was curious. I bought them. I am nearing the end of day 2. I had been eating lots of carbs and sugars, so I am curious as to how long I should expect to see ketones in my testing strips. It seems like people can lose on week 1. I am assuming ketones can show pretty quickly.

Anyone want to comment on how long it took to show ketones?

FYI .. for those who are wondering.. I purchased mine at Walgreens. They were located behind the counter for 9.99 for 50 test strips. I found that quit a value to gauge how well I am doing staying in ketosis (once I am in it!)

Years ago I worked for a Urologist and got my test strips from him for free. I tested my urine constantly! lol I am so glad I can get ketone tests over the counter.

[TyCowboy]

I personally didn't, at least not routinely...but if you need the visual reaffirmation, or if you're concerned that you're not in ketosis, then they can be of value. Plus they're fun...just about anything I can pee on is entertainment for the kid in me who longs to get out.

Ty.

[Brook]

Originally Posted by TyCowboy

I personally didn't, at least not routinely...but if you need the visual reaffirmation, or if you're concerned that you're not in ketosis, then they can be of value. Plus they're fun...just about anything I can pee on is entertainment for the kid in me who longs to get out.

Ty.

Hey, Ty. Fair enough.

Bloomer- I didn't use them. If you listen to your body and pay attention, it'll tell you all you need to know and you can save the and put it towards a good steak.

You'll get a metallic taste in your mouth.
Your breath will smell like . LOL
Your sweat and urine will smell different too.
You'll be more thirsty.
Your appetite will be .
You'll have more energy.

These are all great signs you're in ketosis

Now...go buy a steak.

[Bloomer]

It's so weird to see that. "Go buy a steak". I have been swearing off of meat... especially steak for so long. I have tried and tried to lose weight on my own while getting fatter and fatter. I looked at your before and after pics. I realize that I can be a hot mom tooo! I really can. It is so exciting. Congrats on your losses. I want my steak and eat it too. lol

Ty I am all about peeing on the strips. It was like a game to me with the strips. If I saw my ketones go lower.. I would be super careful until I got them back to being purple. lol It's so cool that we can buy them. They are really inexpensive too! I am saving money on my wine now that I can't drink yet.

[2 B A HAPPY ME]

I love the strips and they motivate me. i am only on day 2 and see results on the strips. "moderate"

[LadyBethny]

I use mine just once a week - just to keep an eye on things! Its another thing not to get obsessed about!

I am all for the tape measure! :0)

[Bloomer]

Originally Posted by 2 B A HAPPY ME

I love the strips and they motivate me. i am only on day 2 and see results on the strips. "moderate"

Holy jealous batman! I am finally showing small on day 3! You must have not eaten the amounts of sugar I have before starting Atkins. I want moderate!

[Bloomer]

I also measured. I know when the scale betrays me, I will be glad I measured!

[not2late]

As one ADBBer used to say being in ketosis is like being pregnant: either you are or you aren't. So if you are showing "small" ketones, then you are in ketosis.

[GonnaGetThin!]

I got the strips, for two reasons. Firstly, the book advised them as an indicator to actually know if you were in ketosis. The second reason was in case I didn't lose anything during induction, because some people are metabolic resistant (did I get the wording right here?).

Apparently, sometimes certain individuals are resistant to going into ketosis, and need an extra kick to get them into that fat burning zone, and the sticks can tell you this. If you are strictly following the rules and show no change then most likely you are resistant, and need the fat fast to get you into ketosis. The sticks will also help then because you can see when you finally get in the range, or if no change shows you will notice the weight loss.

Fortunately for me, I started dropping weight on day 3. The first 2 days nothing changed but the morning of day 3 I had a 3 pound loss, and the stick showed I was officially in the fat burning zone! I am keeping them, and will be testing now on a weekly basis to make sure I stay in there until I move to the next to last phase where most likely the strips will no longer indicate I am in ketosis even if I actually am, due to having more carbs in my diet at that time.

They are a tool, is what I am trying to say. Probably not required, but for me they were. I wanted a real-time visual indicator that I was doing things right.