Newbie with many questions!

[Cinderella]

Sorry for my ignorance but, what does "100 Forum" mean? 100 pounds to loose? 100 day in which to do it? Only 100 folks allowed in the group? Just being silly, but I really don't know anything about forums and such. I do however have some questions that I've been pondering.
1. After how many days should my ketostix turn purple?
2. Why on a package will the carb count say "0" and in the carb counter it will register as having carbs?
3. Dried spices are ok, and even if the nutrient guide says 0 carbs, the ingrediants list sugar. Should I count spices as 1 gram?
4. Though I haven't had this problem yet...how many carbs in Physillum husks?
Any input would be appreciated, this is all new to me!
Thanks guys!

[Rob]

Welcome Cinderella!

100 forum is for people who have had at some point 100 or more pounds to lose. But everyone is welcome to post here. If you started out having 80 pounds to lose your struggle may have been just as hard or harder than a person with 100+ to lose.

As far as the ketostix turning color that's a YMMV (your mileage may vary). I'd guess the average person following a strict Atkins induction will be in ketosis by the 3rd or 4th day. But those stix may not register even if you are in ketosis. I've read that there are several types of ketones and the stix just meassure one type. If your body prefers to produce the other types you may barely register on the stix if at all.

usually that's due to rounding. manufacturers are free to put 0 if the carb is below .51.

I'd avoid spice mixes that include sugar. I usually don't use enough herbs and spices per serving to count.

Psyllium husks are a little more than 1/2 gram net carbs per tbs. so you could count 1 per every 2 tbs. I personally didn't bother when i was taking it.

[Cinderella]

Thanks Rob for all the info! I "introduced" myself on the the Newbie Forum which is where I'm supposed to be I believe, but you answered many questions. Still no purple this morning but I was down a pound so I must be doing something right! I guess I need to study up on all the 'hidden' carbs out there and things should be less of a mystery to me. I know this works because I did this back in the 70's and that's how I initially lost weight, but like so many others struggling with weight issues, it's creeping back into my life.
Thanks again, this is a wonderful and welcoming site indeed!

[pegster]

Hi Cinderella: I was never able to get a reading on the Ketostix, so I quit using them. Instead I went by the scale and my measurements, which crept down steadily with my weight loss.

If you go here you will find a carb counter that is free. MANY people on this Board use this faithfully every day to record everything that they eat. It automatically counts up the carbs for you from your daily diet. You will find that it has many links to many different goodies. Just keep coming back and ask you questions in the Newbie forum. I recommend that because us Veterans to this way of life, check in there daily to answer questions.

Peace, Peg

[Cinderella]

Again thank you for the info and the carb counter website!
You guys are AWESOME and so helpful! Like I said...this is going to be a fun journey! C

[Goddess]

hey cinderella-haven't heard from you in a few days. how are things going?

[Cinderella]

I'm good Goddess, thanks! I've been on the Newbies forum and the walking challenge. At first I didn't know what the "100" forum was, and since I don't have to loose 100 lbs. or more, I didn't think it was fare for me to take up space here.
I am still sticking with it but need more encouragement so last night I checked out YOUR website, and I LOVE it! Going back in today to get some more encouraging advice. I know it's all the same basic info and tips but I love your "Aura" and frame of mind, YOU ROCK GIRLFRIEND!
Anyway I'm going to work hard this week to get that "Whoosh", as it hasn't happened yet! Thanks for checking on me!

[Goddess]

glad to hear you're doing well! always good news.

and thank you for the kind words about my shrinking goddess site, which has been terribly neglected of late. i do enjoy doing it, though: low carb with attitude, man.

don't stress about your "whoosh." they come when you least expect 'em. that whoosh fairy is a fickle creature, but whaddya gonna do?

[Janalyn]

Hi..I am a newbie...Awesome carb counter web site. I am looking forward to being involved. Thanks for the great tips.

[hdyhouse]

Janalyn. Do you have a specific low carb plan you intend to follow? Good luck.

[Goddess]

Welcome, Janalyn. Glad to have you with us.

[QueenMama]

Welcome, Janalyn. I hope we can be of assistance to you.

[Janalyn]

Thanks for the welcome....Atkins is what i am most familiar with...I have been on it 3 months...have lost 20 pounds and then got stuck...I think hidden carbs are getting me.
I just read that hot dogs are not good....I'm looking for VERY easy protein substitues, especially for work days. I am not a cook. This site is the best. Thanks.....I have a lot to lose...about 120.......J

[Goddess]

hot dogs tend to have quite a bit of sodium, so that causes water retention for some people. i don't worry about hot dogs, but i don't try to live off of 'em, either...after a while, i got to a place where what i eat low carb isn't dramatically different than how i ate before, just with some strategic adjustments and such.

[Goddess]

ok, well, the no sugar is a big difference....and not having bread as the mainstay of my eating. but you know what i mean.