I'm back on induction after being off for approx 6 months. I'm trying to remember how long until i should start testing for ketones with test strips?

It usually takes me three days to get into ketosis. But everyone is different. Some take longer some shorter. It also depends (for me) on what I had when I was off plan.

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Noël


Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strengths.

I started induction 12 days ago, and this was my getting back on the wagon. It took a good 5 days for me to get into ketosis, and it only took 3 the forst time. I think it takes longer if this is not your first go round. Just my 2 cents.

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Renee
1/19/04
261/220/160
41 lbs off
60 lbs to goal



Race to 199 Challenge
Labor Day Challenge: Focusing on the Journey
Personal Goal: 199 by 12/31/05

Kat, the type of Ketostix you use may make a difference, too. When I started I had several different brands. Some showed ketosis, others didn't. Very frustrating. I have found the Ketostix by Bayer are the best. I have bought them at both Costco and K-Mart (or maybe it was Wal-Mart). Plus the Bayer Ketostix show results in less than 15 seconds. The other brands take over a minute.

When I started Atkins, I unfortunately ate a lot of the lc bars and shakes. It took me much longer to get started using those foods. Once I went all natural, the weight started coming off and I was constantly in ketosis.

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Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

Do I need to stay in ketosis all the time in order to lose my weight? I have 100 lbs. to lose.

Sunny, you "can" lose weight by lowering your calorie intake without being in ketosis. But you need to keep your carbs at ketosis level to insure that your body is burning fat energy not glucose energy.

On Atkins, you can have 20 net carbs per day. (make sure the carbs come from veggies and other induction-level foods. Don't use the low carb bars. Many of us stopped losing when eating them daily.)

After your two weeks, you can add five carbs per week as long as you stay in ketosis and keep losing. I've not done very good at figuring where my limit is. I went from 20 to 25 and then 30. I've had a couple days where I ingested 40-50 net grams of carbs and was still in ketosis, but I wouldn't do this on a regular basis. In looking over my FitDay software, I see that I'm usually eating 25-35 grams of carbs a day.

Since you are starting out, I'd also suggest tracking your foods. I started out at www.fitday.com. It's free. Then I ended up ordering the fitday software. It's not perfect, but it greatly helps me monitor and track my calories and carbohydrates.

Speaking of calories...after induction, you may need to watch your calorie consumption as well. Most people do, especially as their bodies gets smaller and need few calories. The good part about Atkins is that it's easy to resist the snacking because you're just not hungry.

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Melissa

Kat, it's been a few days since your post. Are you in Ketosis yet?

And Sunny, Melissa explained it very well. On Atkins, you start your Induction (2 weeks) at 20 carbs per day. The reason for the low number of carbs is to get you into ketosis quickly. The sooner your body is in ketosis, the sooner it will start burning FAT for energy instead of CARBS. As you progress on Atkins, you will slowly add GOOD carbs (more vegetables, cottage cheese, etc.) You really need to buy the Atkins New Diet Revolution book or check the library. It will really help you understand the why's and wherefore's of the Atkins way of life.

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Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

:fork: Thanks for all your input. i will plan to keep my carbs at 20 aday.
Is there a carb chart some where on this board?
I need to know how many carbs are in the foods i eat. I had 2 slices bacon and 1 egg this morning for breakfast and plan to make a tuna salad for lunch. could anyone tell me how many carbs are in this.? The tuna salad will be made with can tuna packed in spring water, mayo, bellpepper and chopped egg. Is this a acceptable recipe?
You all are so wonderful here on this board and I want to thank you for being here for me. hope to get to know all of you real soon.
I will also be posting on other parts of this board so look for me, I want to learn all I can about low carb and follow it and I need everyones support.

The easiest way to keep track, although a bit time consuming at times, is the FitDay.com food tracker. It's a little clunky to muddle through sometimes...even the one you buy isn't perfect. But at least you can find the most-eaten and hard to find items and plug them into your custom list.

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Melissa