I find even the morning pee doesn't always show I'm in ketosis, although I am. I drink tons of water on this diet, and up to pee at night, so staying hydrated even in the morning. I've pretty much given up on the ketostix, and just believe I'm in ketosis and stay that way.

You have great results! That's what's important!

Have a great day!

Ah, thank you, Vvei! I kind of feel like i'm finally hitting my stride with this diet.

And you've had great losses too! We can do this!

Ketosis DOES matter in this diet so ignore the naysayer.

Everyone hit it on the head - you are properly hydrated so only a trace will show. Think about putting salt in a cup of water and then checking the concentration of the salt (via a ketostix) ... then put the same amount of salt in a gallon of water and do the same. It's the same amount of salt, just diluted more.

I used the sticks constantly, don't know why since I wasn't cheating and I knew I was in ketosis. I guess I just wanted to have proof. And yes, if it gets dark its because you're dehydrated. That happened to me once and I freaked a little until I realized that I had extra coffee and not enough water.

Your weight loss is great - keep it going!!

I agree ketosis is important in this diet, no matter what anyone says.

I use the Ketostix when I've upped my carbs a bit to see if I'm still in ketosis. They are always very slightly colored, if at all, but then I know I'm not hungry at all, so I have to be in ketosis.

When I first started, I bought the ketostix, so I kind of feed bad if they just sit on the shelf. Even though now, I realize that they aren't telling me what my body is doing.

And Angie you've done so well on this diet! Love reading your posts!

Well thank you! I start Phase 4 tomorrow. Soooooo nervous but I know I have P1 to turn to, like a dear old friend if necessary!

Good luck in Phase 4! I love reading the maintenance thread. Gives me hope that I can do it too. I can't wait to get there!

I love the thought of P1 being a dear old friend. I'm planning on slipping in to see her every once in while when I'm in maintenance, just to keep my body in check.

I've been in the same 4 lb weight window for 4 weeks now. And eating probably 50% less calories per day than I did pre-IP. (And 100% OP IP, only 1 restricted per week and really low in my IP carb total per week) How could I be in ketosis for the past month and not be losing weight??? I'm disgusted at the price I am paying $$$$$$ for not losing. I won't quit but... Anyone ever go cold turkey off IP, wait a week or two and then restart to reset your body's ability to go into ketosis????

OMG this happens to me! In fact, it's happening right now. I'm on day 4 of no changes, but I'm just powering through! I know it'll drop off soon!

This might sound counterintuitive - but you might actually need a few MORE carbs to kick start you. Some folks have found that not enough carbs causes a stall in losses. Have you tried having your restricted every day instead of just once a week? I have had a restricted once per day and the only time my losses stalled was around TOM.

Damn right we can!

Scorbett is right. A little more carbs OR a little more fat

Thanks Lisa and Scorbett, I'll maybe give the more carbs a try? My coach doesn't know...

Don't worry about what the keto stix say. Ive just completed my 7th week, lost a total of 47 lbs so far, and the whole time my keto stix said I had "trace" or none