Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the right section, so please forgive me if I did.

My question is, when do you actually convert from fat burning to glucose metabolism?? I have been steadily eating no less than 70g net carbs but I still pee profusely. Out of curiosity I dug out my ketostix and it still registered a shade of pink. I know it is not lack of calories because I plugged things into fitday today and I ate around 1700. I'm not a heavy exerciser nor is my job physically demanding. My main concern is constipation . It appears that with all the fluid going out of my system, I am constipated most of the time, whereas during my heavy carb days I went way too often.

Confused , Rose

Happy low carbing!

Hi Rose. Could it be that the ketones were from your last meal? Dietary fat will register as ketones, too.

I register in ketosis, too, from time to time, even in maintenance. I think the body does a little bit of both depending on how you're eating that day.

Hiya Kristine!
Thank you for your insights!
I checked the ketostix when I haven't eaten for several hours so I don't think it was the dietary fat . Do you think I'd need to eat 100+ g to be in glucose metabolism? Dr. Atkins says that when you're in maintenance, you'll no longer be in ketosis, but he also states that average person would be eating around 70-90g net carbs on maintenance, which I'm doing right now. Still in ketosis though..

Hey, is that your photo in your avatar?? You're so pretty! I have a LC buddy up in Canada as well, Lilygirl She's in Calgary area though.

I hope I run into you often in the maintenance club! Take care and have a good night

Btw, I checked the ketostix again and still dark pink, after eating all that carbs!

Are you drinking plenty of water? Ketones also show when you are not drinking enough of the good 'ol H20. Not enough fluid also create constipation. We are all different so you may need more water than another person doing low carb.

Hello Rose, was just reading


How much water compared to the tea and sodas? Because it still sounds like you are not getting enough plain water. When you drink Soda and tea you really need to comsume the full amount if not more of plain water, cause the soda/tea can effect the impact of the plain water, hope that makes some sort of sense??

Cheers Kathy

Rose - Do you take anything at all for your constipation problem? My doctor told me to take pure fiber pills which I do take 6/day. Flax seeds are also good to take. Don't take laxatives as they will upset your electrolytes. The fiber pills don't work real quick but they keep me regular enough to live with. I would be interested in knowing if anyone else does have to take anything and if so, what. Thanks.

Dear Rose:
I know this sounds conservative, but I when I hear you are always thirsty, peeing everything out, and in ketosis despite all the calories I think you should go to your doctor and tell him/her what is going on, and maybe check your blood sugar.
Good luck.