Ketostix.. is it necassary?

[Liserann]

I've been low carbing for 10 days now and have lost 6lbs. Should I check my keto???

[bluugirl]

well you are losing weight, so why to check? :) personally i've never used them, and you look like u're doing really WELL!

[Liserann]

Thanks, I just hear about a lot of people using them..

[crider100]

There are basic necessities in life: Food, water, shelter...etc. In my case, one item that I cannot live without is my Starbucks 'Iced Grande Percent White Mocha'! :p If I stick to the LC diet, oh say, withith 20 grams of carbs while also having one of my specialty drinks per day, will it make a huge difference in results? Will it absolutely negate my efforts, or will it simply take longer to lose my 15 pounds?

Also, how long before my Ketostix become 'trace, moderate' from a negative reading? (on avg?)

[missydog]

I paid $10.00 for a bottle of ketostix (50). I used about five sticks and now I never test with them anymore. I wish I'd never bought them. They haven't told me a single useful thing, as far as I can tell. From what I've heard, you can be in ketosis, or at least can lose weight, even if nothing registers on them. And if they turn purple on you, chances are you're dehydrated. So what do they tell you, really? What matters is: are you or are you not losing weight? Don't torture yourself over ketostix.

[Meeker]

Where do you get 50 for $10? I can't find them at Walmart (maybe I'm blind) and when I did find them (almost a year ago) it was like $30 for 50. I'd rather not mail order... Any big chains in the US that carry them cheap? I've yet to pee on a ketostick and would like to try it.

[Karen]

As a PP follower, I lost 50 pounds before ever hearing of a Ketostix. So I would definitely say they aren't necessary.

Karen

[Karen]

...that I cannot live without is my Starbucks 'Iced Grande Percent White Mocha'!

Read Carbohydrate Addicts and decide if it is the right plan for you instead of Atkins. Sugar does not fit into a hard-core low-carb way of life.

Karen

[Raven]

Hey there Meeker -

You have to ask the pharmacist for the ketostix - they're very often kept behind the counter. No, you don't need a prescription or anything, they just keep them there for some reason.

I like to use them occasionally just for additional support and confirmation that I'm in ketosis - just for a little tiny lift. Mine always always meaures the next to the darkest purple and I'm not dehydrated. So everybody is different.

Also, how long before my Ketostix become 'trace, moderate' from a negative reading? (on avg?)

It took me 2 days...I'm not sure about the average, can just tell you my experiences. But if you're intaking that sugar filled coffee drink, I'd expect a bigger delay.

[missydog]

Meeker,

If you MUST try ketostix, I bought mine at Rite Aid in Los Angeles, but I'm sure they have them other places. They were $10 for a bottle of 50, if you call that "cheap." They are usually found with the diabetics' blood sugar testing supplies, or sometimes it's easier to just ask the pharmacist where they are, because they might be behind the counter. Have fun.

[crider100]

I wonder if the amount of your water intake has anything to do with the results. I understand that you will get the darker results when you are more dehydrated, however what if you are in the moderate area technically, but your readings are still negative? (Due to an increase of water in your system, which would perhaps dilute the ketones to the point of compromising your results - If this were true, wouldn't this make the ketostix pretty much useless?)

[Tara]

Originally posted by Meeker
Where do you get 50 for $10?...

Meeker -

I got mine at Walgreens (50 for $10). They keep them behind the pharmacist's counter there too.

Happy hunting! ;)

[Meeker]

Walgreens... that works. I don't think we have Rite Aid here.

[ludi54]

I got mine at Safeway 50 for $7.49 Canadian. I had to ask the pharmacist for them, but didn't need a prescription. I like them for some form of support or affirmation. Have a good evening!

[Natrushka]

Originally posted by crider100
I wonder if the amount of your water intake has anything to do with the results. I understand that you will get the darker results when you are more dehydrated, however what if you are in the moderate area technically, but your readings are still negative? (Due to an increase of water in your system, which would perhaps dilute the ketones to the point of compromising your results - If this were true, wouldn't this make the ketostix pretty much useless?)

Ketostix are effected by water. Dark purple is ususally an indication that you're dehydrated. And to a certain degree, yes they can be useless ;) This of course is just my humble opinion. If you're new to LC they can give you the motivation you need to keep it up. Progress you can see. After a certain point they really aren't necessary... you can tell if you're in ketosis w/o them. And to boot, some people never show even a trace and yet they lose weight. If you're not hungry, you have a strange taste in your mouth, or you've noticed that your urine has a different smell to it (hey, we can talk about anything here!) then you're in ketosis.

Nat

[mum's girl]

I bought some called Keto-Diastix (Reagent Strips for Urinalysis) at Wally's. They're the Bayer brand. 50 stix for around ten dollars. Yes, they were right next to the other diabetic products in the pharmacy. If you buy some, check the pull date and keep the lid TIGHTLY closed! Also, the reading is supposedly accurate within the first 15 seconds after wetting--after that, forget it. Hope this helps!

mg

[Mariahamm]

I am confused. I have been on the Atkins Diet for 2.5 months and have lost a dress size. But I have slowed down. My sticks for a while have been at a trace level where before I had been at the dark pink level. Am I at a plateau? I have been reading the various posts and I am concerned that I am doing something wrong. My daily menu is as follows:

Breakfast: 1 Atkins drink and protein bar

Lunch: Small Greek salad with lots of chick , 1 diet coke

Dinner: Piece of chicken, cheese mushrooms or small salad

Snack: 1 oz macadamia nuts

Dessert: 1 carbolite chocolate bar or Atkins bar

I have often had to force myself to eat - is this anything?

Thank you for your help.

Regards

[Karen]

Two words...

Protein bars! They are notorious for slowing progress. Some can contain what we call hidden carbs. You may be way over your carb limit and not even know it.

Check out these two links for more information.

carbs.http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24415&highlight=hidden+carbs

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24908&highlight=hidden+carbs

Karen

[Mariahamm]

Thank you for the information - I reviewed the material and will cut out the bars for next week and see if it makes a difference.

It is tough to make a breakfast quickly while getting ready for work. I have read many of the posts regarding breakfast and I guess I am not alone. So many of the suggestions just do not sound right for breakfast - so I am going to give eggs and bacon a try again during the next week to see if it makes a difference.

I am trying to not have to give up the carbolite bars. They really help with the craving for sweets and when my colleagues at work are eating chocolate chip cookies (the big, soft ones) it helps to be able to reach in my briefcase and take a bite out of a bar.

Thanks again.