No, it's not true. You are either in ketosis or not in ketosis. Some people may register higher ketones than others on the strips, but trace or small is really what you want to see (more often means you are dehydrated and your urine is too concentrated).
So you will be in back in ketosis before you know it, and that water weight will disappear in 4 to 7 days. (unless you had the luck of the Irish with you this weekend and it goes sooner)
Thank you so much for putting information out about the ketone strips. I use them rather than weigh myself everyday. I am new to the program, and am on day three. Ugh. Ready to be as far along as many of ya'll are!! Anyway, I have seen 'small' readings on the ketone strips and was afraid I was eating too much or doing something wrong. I am hoping that I am doing all of this right! My coach isn't the wisest... Keep up the chat and support, everyone. It helps SO MUCH!!
Thank you so much for putting information out about the ketone strips. I use them rather than weigh myself everyday. I am new to the program, and am on day three. Ugh. Ready to be as far along as many of ya'll are!! Anyway, I have seen 'small' readings on the ketone strips and was afraid I was eating too much or doing something wrong. I am hoping that I am doing all of this right! My coach isn't the wisest... Keep up the chat and support, everyone. It helps SO MUCH!!
If you drink a lot of water (and you should on this diet) then it will dilute and won't 'show' on the strips. Apparently you should be doing it early in the morning (first pee?).
In the 11 months on this diet I've never used the strips. If you follow the diet you'll be in ketosis.
Thank you so much for putting information out about the ketone strips. I use them rather than weigh myself everyday. I am new to the program, and am on day three. Ugh. Ready to be as far along as many of ya'll are!! Anyway, I have seen 'small' readings on the ketone strips and was afraid I was eating too much or doing something wrong. I am hoping that I am doing all of this right! My coach isn't the wisest... Keep up the chat and support, everyone. It helps SO MUCH!!
You are right where you need to be! Check in the morning when they are the most concentrated...they usually register less as you drink water throughout the day. They also typically do not register during TOM, so don't let that worry you either.
Editing to add: I agree that ketostix are not a requirement, but many people like them as a positive reinforcement. I used them when I orginally did Atkins, but stopped using them over time. Everyone should do what they feel is best for them...using them or not is your choice.
Hi. So I am new to this forum but I wanted to add this. One of the reasons I picked this diet is the hope that it will teach me to see food "normally". That is to say, sometimes people go out and have a beer or a sandwich. My problem is that I don't stop there. I go home an eat popcorn and chips in the dark by myself. I believe there is a way to go out and have fun after a good race. Then return to "normal". For me I would worry when you hide and eat. You admitted it, and now we move on one day at a time.
You are right where you need to be! Check in the morning when they are the most concentrated...they usually register less as you drink water throughout the day. They also typically do not register during TOM, so don't let that worry you either.
Editing to add: I agree that ketostix are not a requirement, but many people like them as a positive reinforcement. I used them when I orginally did Atkins, but stopped using them over time. Everyone should do what they feel is best for them...using them or not is your choice.
Thank you. Yes, I am using them for some positive reinforcement. I am the only one in my household doing the diet, so it is hard with all the tempting foods and smells everywhere! Plus, I started the diet during my TOM. I got the Depo shot over a month ago and my body is not agreeing with it! Took it to help with hormonal migraines. It didn't help because I still ended up getting my TOM anyway--but this time is lasting much longer. blek!
On another note, I also wanted to share a "treat" I made tonight. Crystal Light makes a margarita flavor drink mix. I made a pitcher of it--and used a little less water then it called for so it would have lots of flavor. I froze some in ice cube trays and then chopped them up in the blender. Sugar-free, calorie-free, carb-free slush! YUM!! Was a nice treat to have while the kids ate their popsicles. mmmm!
On another note, I also wanted to share a "treat" I made tonight. Crystal Light makes a margarita flavor drink mix. I made a pitcher of it--and used a little less water then it called for so it would have lots of flavor. I froze some in ice cube trays and then chopped them up in the blender. Sugar-free, calorie-free, carb-free slush! YUM!! Was a nice treat to have while the kids ate their popsicles. mmmm!
Sound great! But keep in mind that aspartame does slow weight loss (as do most artificial sweeteners), so you will want to use that sparingly. If you find that weight is not dropping as quickly as you hoped, try eliminating aspartame, Splenda, etc.
k--Thanks for the info. I will slow down my crystal light consumption. I don't want to ruin my diet by drinking too much aspartame!
I think some Crystal Lights are sweetened with something other than aspartame.
But aspartame is particularly bad and numerous research studies over the last few years have shown that it directly contributes to Metabolic Syndrome/Syndrome X...excess belly fat, high BP, high cholesterol, etc. I had to give up my sacred Diet Coke after a 20+ year addiction, but I know it has contributed to my carb cravings and weight gain so it had to go.
If you drink a lot of water (and you should on this diet) then it will dilute and won't 'show' on the strips. Apparently you should be doing it early in the morning (first pee?).
In the 11 months on this diet I've never used the strips. If you follow the diet you'll be in ketosis.
Just my opinion!
You and I have both been on 11 months now and I 100% agree with you on this...YOU know that!....I have never used the strips either, just follow the sheet then you won't have any doubts!
(PS How were the beers??) 
blek! 
