Can't seem to get into Ketosis

[Night Stalker]

Hi, just a quick question. I have been on induction for a week and a half. I have lost about 5 pounds.....thats it. I use the test strips and all I can ever achieve is TRACE amount. I drink atleast 2 gallons of water a day. Plenty of protien....i need more veggies for sure, however as best as I can tell I am getting under 20 grams of carbs a day. I just don't get why I can't take off like everybody else. Anybody have any suggestions. Thanks in advance for your comments.

[pagliaccia]

First off, five pounds in a week and a half is great! Second, keep in mind Atkins is about high fat, moderate protein, and low carb. Third, would you mind posting an example of a daily menu for you?

[adreliluc]

5 lbs in a week and a 1/2 is awesome. Slow down and let your body adjust to the changes you're making!!

and if you 'think' you're under 20 grams you might want to make sure.. and make sure you're getting enough fat..

Maybe try tracking your food - fitday is my personal favorite but there are lots of other sites..

good luck!

[Slapshot]

Hi, just a quick question. I have been on induction for a week and a half. I have lost about 5 pounds.....thats it. I use the test strips and all I can ever achieve is TRACE amount. I drink atleast 2 gallons of water a day.

Sounds like you're in ketosis to me. Are your cravings gone? Yucky taste in your mouth ? Ketosis readings on the ketostix are an all or nothing thing - you're either in it or not. There are no "degrees" of ketosis. The "trace" readings you're seeing are probably a result of your water consumption (i.e. you're hydrated, therefore the readings are diluted - it doesn't mean you're not in ketosis).

[Night Stalker]

Yes, my cravings are pretty much gone. The bad taste in my mouth is usually in the morning.....I guess its thoughout the day too because I can't seem to get enough water to drink. You are right....I do need to go to the fitday.com site and use it. I have just seen on other posts that alot of people semm to lose 15 or so pounds and I just thought "ok, why am i not hardly losing anything?" I am eating alot of meat.....about three to four eggs in the morning with a little shredded cheese (yes I checked the carb count). I'll have a snack of some tuna fish with a little mayo and mustard. Later a hamburger patty with a slice of cheese, lettuce and thin tomato. And later in the evening, a salad with a little cheese and salsa. For the most part thats it. I also cook some pork tenderloin and slice it to snack on if I need too. And I eat chicken breast also. (not all of this in one day....varied though the week. ANyway thank you all for your posts and I can't wait to see some more.

[msanjelpie]

Have you had your thyroid checked? Are you on any medications?

[chinadoll]

There is nothing wrong. You show all the signs of ketosis and your "trace" amount is the proof (although you can be in ketosis and not show any color-so go by feel) If your pee stinks, your breath is bad and you are not suffering from cravings, you are in ketosis. Enjoy it and stop worrying. I stopped using the strips years ago. My body tells me when everything is on target much more accurately.

[IrishIrish]

People get confused about ketosis. The strips are just a way to test. Their original purpose wasn't to determine if your body was in the fat burning mode for Atkins, but they work for that purpose. As long as they show trace, you are in ketosis. The shades are only a function of how much water you are drinking and it would seem that you are well hydrated and that is a good thing.

Ketosis is like pregnancy ... you either are or you are not. There are no degrees of ketosis just like there are no degrees of pregnancy.

[imagood1]

I have never shown any color on the sticks but I've been loosing weight consistantly since I started. If you are drinking enough water you probably won't show any color. Like Jill said - stop worrying and keep eating/drinking the way you have been - you're fine.

[Night Stalker]

Thanks guys....No I'm not on any meds. My thyroid is in good shape. Yes I have the yucky taste in my mouth and yes my pee does stink. LOL. can't believe I just said that. So, cool. I'll take it that my fat burning machine is working and I shall be patient like a sniper. Thank you all for your input.