How long does it take to get there? Should I really buy the strips to see or is there a general rule of thumb like 3 days?

You don't need the strips, and some people can be in ketosis and never show on the strips. That said, for some people it's motivating to see the strips turn purple. I have one pack of them, I use them not even once a month but there are days the scale isn't moving and I'm looking for proof and then I'm glad I have them.

I think most people are in ketosis by day 3 or 4 if you follow a strict Atkins style induction

Dr A said you will be in Ketosis in just about 24 hours if you really stick to plan. It's encouraging to see the results on the stix now and then and especially when you're in that first Induction period where you're really struggling to wait for the cravings to go away. Anything that helps you is a good thing........but the stix are not necessary the scale will sure tell you whether you're doing it properly or not.

How do you know you are in Ketosis without the strips? Are there any physical symptoms?

Thanks everyone for the answers. I am craving carbs badly but trying to stick with it.

Turtle how are you making out? Have you pulled past the cravings yet? I hope you have held in and taken the challenge all the way.

I was lucky, I was on a holiday when I decided to start this program so I wasn't near my fridge and I had someone with me every minute so I couldn't cheat...........and I was so busy I didn't really feel the pressure of missing carbs.

I'm doing ok. I still crave carbs. I'm kinda sick of eating the same things. I had a chef salad yesterday to kind of mix things up. I want pizza. lol

Oh oh not good!!! Try here and see all the wonderful variety that is available to you. Anything with an * you can eat right now!

http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/

This is Linda's Low Carb Recipes if you need to just type it in. She's done a ton of work to assist us in this voyage. I use her recipes all the time! Also go to Youtube.com and ask for low carb recipes. Lots of great ideas there too.....but sometimes they are giving you things for more advanced levels so you need to watch that a wee bit.

Good luck! Wish I could drop my and encourage you!