Ketone strips
 

Id like to know if someone really knows the ins and outs of ketone strips. My coach said he thinks they are like pregnancy tests. No level, you are either in ketosis or you're not. Is this correct or if you're strip shows darker, is it a "better" level of ketosis? Trying to tweek my diet and not sure what the results mean! I would really appreciate any info you may have.

Ketones
 

You either are in ketosis or not. If it is darker it typically means you are less hydrated.

Glad this question got ask! I bought some strips but haven't used them. Guess I'm a little confused about them myself!

My strips have different levels. They include a color chart on the side of the container and give very clear directions on how to use them. The brand name I found at my Walgreens Pharmacy is ReliOn Ketone Test Strips.

I suppose to be in ketosis but no colorchange at all...maybe I am drinking so much water;)

Apparently these things are notorious for not giving proper readings, ie you can be in ketosis but it's not showing up on the strip, etc.

This can be true the longer you're in it. Your body is still throwing ketones but it's also become more adept at handling them so less show up in your urine.

I was strongly advised not to let the strips mess with my head. :)

And yes, as long as it was showing trace or higher that's what mattered. Just being in it. But again, with the false negatives it's hard to know at all.

We rarely use them now. We do our best to stay OP and let the chips fall where they may.

If you are following this diet 100% you are in ketosis, so forget the strips. Also the only time to get an accurate reading on the strips is first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything. As long as the strips show a trace you are in ketosis. Like Tripmama said, "You either are or aren't in ketosis." The darker the strip doesn't mean a thing other than perhaps you need more water. The longer you are on IP, the longer in ketosis, the lighter the strips will show as you are still in ketosis, but aren't spilling as many ketones as when you started. Either way you are still in ketosis. So loose the strips and just have a 100% OP day and all is good.

Thank you all so much! Bought them after a week of no loss. I have not cheated once on this diet but my weeks vary so much. I'm now am realizing that it's tied into my cycle. I just need to be patient and see it through.

When I tried using the strips they were all over the place so I stopped as long as I am losing and my clothes are getting loose then things are good :)

Thank you so much for the information. I will start using the strip in the morning before eating but the 3 strips I've used show negative. If I don't get any readings in the next few strips I am not going to continue them.

The thing about the strips is it will only show up if you are in ketosis and its coming though on your urine. Ketosis can come out via feces, sweat, urine, saliva etc all depends on how your body wants to show it. Remember when you started the diet and you had that wicked taste in your mouth? That’s ketosis showing up in saliva….

Thank you Billster. That's helpful information.