reading the ketostick

[missbeagle]

This is going to really sound dumb..... but I am not sure if my ketostick has turned pink or not. The end of the stick is a pale beige before it's used, kinda like the flesh colored crayola crayon. I "think" its a little darker but the color does NOT match the chart on the box at all. This is my 5th week and I haven't cheated at all, but I don't feel like I'm losing. My pants don't seem to fit any differently. So I wanted a little "encouragement" from the ketostix and so far, I'm not "sure".

I did this all wrong, I know. But I had no scale for the first 2 weeks, so I don't know what my actual starting weight was. I also did not take measurements. When I finally got a scale, I weighed myself in the middle of the day and was NOT happy! I again weighed myself the next morning and was about 5 or 6 pounds lighter than the day before midday weight. So I'm going by that number. In 3 1/2 weeks I "think" I've lost about 5 pounds. Anyway..... does anyone else have trouble "reading" the ketosticks?

[bigdaddys]

I have noticed that the sticks tend to be a lighter color change if you are consuming alot of water. Here is a trick, try taking 2 sticks, use one and after two minutes compare the stick to the unused one. The change may be slight but if you see it, then you getting there. Just try not to concentrate on the scales as much because they can dampen your outlook. You have lost weight, your following the program, you are doing great, keep up the great work!!!!

[laurahr]

Usually they turn pink right away. They are very sensitive to moisture and debris, so they have to be handled carefully. There are a few different brands that you can try. :) LK

[BetyLouWho]

Oh gosh. I have not been able to bring myself to ASK for those silly sticks at the store or pharmacy! (They don't seem to have them out on the shelves where I live) I'm down 10 lbs in two weeks tho and it feels great! I'll just assume that its working.

MissBeagle: Hang in there buddy. Do another check for hidden carbs?? Sometimes using ketchup or drinking juice can go unnoticed and can make all of the difference. Meatballs and such can be full of wheat (read carbs), low fat salad dressings and sour cream are FULL of starch....alot of "lite" foods are lower fat but way higher in carbs. Best to avoid them for now as well as any kind of gravy or delicious sauce... .

:doah: mmmmmmmmm sauce

[xxxomnixxx]

Try not to get too hung up on what the Ketostix are or are not displaying. If they're registering ANY change, then you're in Ketosis. It's a bit like being pregnant. . . you either are or aren't. Also remember that Ketones also exit the body through respiration, and perspiration, as well. You may just not be showing a high presence in your urine. The important thing is not to get too obsessed with the strips, or the scale, as they can both be self-defeating. Good luck.

[missbeagle]

I have noticed that the sticks tend to be a lighter color change if you are consuming alot of water. Here is a trick, try taking 2 sticks, use one and after two minutes compare the stick to the unused one. The change may be slight but if you see it, then you getting there. Just try not to concentrate on the scales as much because they can dampen your outlook. You have lost weight, your following the program, you are doing great, keep up the great work!!!!


bigdaddy, Thanks.... That's what I did do. :) And there is a difference. There's not a huge difference but still one that I can notice a bit. It just doesn't match any color though, on the color chart on the box.

[klc145]

Mine never match the box exactly either. I know that if they change colors though that I am fine. And one misconception is that the darker they are the more "in ketosis" you are. It could mean you are dehydrated.