I did not buy any keto stixs? Tomorrow will be my first week of induction, are they really important? Also, after reading all the posts, I see there are a lot of coffee drinkers. I have a cup maybe once every 2-3 months when I have the taste for it. But I like coffee in my cream. Maybe I will take up drinking coffee. (decaf only) (of course after induction)

Shay
205/205/150

Shay, the ketostix are not mandatory, only if you choose to use them. Good luck!

Frankly, I think they are a waste of money. I've done this woe with and without them and it makes no difference.

If I'm eating good, I know it. And if I'm eating bad, I know that too!

Also, the results can vary based on many factors so there are times when people are eating just fine but their stix don't show it.

Highly recommend skipping them.

I love my coffee too!

LCE Member since 2001
http://www.ilovelowcarb.com
Low Carb & Loving it!

I got some of the keto sticks.... I am the type of person who needs a LOT of reinforcement to keep me going.... I KNOW that I have been eating the right things... but for ME, that little stick turning colors and confirming for me that my body IS burning fat is motivating!!

Ketostix are great!!!!!!

[Does the Ketostix dance all over the forum...] Ketostix rock... Ketostix rock... Ketostix rock... Unf! Unf! Unf!

I think the ketostix are a more reliable indicator that you're doing the diet right than the scale. The scale can easily bounce up and down and get stuck in one place while you're doing the diet correctly. On the other hand, if the ketostix are showing positive, you can just lay back and cruise and not even check the scale. That's how I do things and it works great for me.

The original 1970's version of Atkins, I believe, put greater emphasis on the Ketostix. I'm not sure why it has been de-emphasized except that perhaps they are putting more emphasis on water intake now, and large quantities of water can dilute your urine and make the Ketostix show negative even when you're in ketosis.

The key thing about this, though, is to stay in ketosis. Everything else wanes in importance. And the ketostix can provide reassurance that you're on the right track and keep you from going off on weird modifications to your WOE to "bust a stall" that isn't real.

Where do i get Keto Sticks and are they Different/ Better then the Thins MetaboStix

177/162/125
LC since 8/8/03

you can get them at the pharmacy or order them on-line. Bayer Ketostix are the oldest brand, the ones that Atkins used to recommend. There are a number of knock-off brands available now, but I've used Bayer for so many years I'd rather stick to them.

I use the sticks only occasionally now.

As Dr. Insomnina says " and large quantities of water can dilute your urine and make the Ketostix show negative even when you're in ketosis" my sticks are always on the low end. I also drink around 100 or more oz. of water a day. I also have to go to the bathroom 2 or 3 times a night. They say it is best if used with your first morning urine. There is no way I am going ot try and read one of those sticks at 2 in the morning .

It is fine to use them to give you a positive visual, but don't depend on them entirely. Do it all, scales, measuring, and the sticks for a more accurate picture.

I have found the Bayer are the cheapest.

Hey Un, what's up with the new name? Is it an interesting story? .

Susan ( AKA Northwest)
207/178.5/160

ive been low carbing for 9 months and have never touched a ketostix. there are other (free!) indicators of ketosis that i rely on, such as the changes to urine color/odor and breath odor, as well as how i am feeling.

i view the ketostix as just another item that the diet conspiracy companies use to drain our wallets! they are right up there with slim fast and outrageously expensive low carb products. just say no! =P

I use them occasionally, and usually only when I venture a new arena of foods. For instance, I found some corn tortillas yesterday that were only 4.5 net gms per tortilla. I made a couple up tonight, and in a couple of hours, I'll check to see if they had any impact.

Other than that, I don't bother with them anymore much. I do think they're handy during induction as confirmation you're doing things right. A lot of people are nervous about whether they're doing it right, and it's nice to have something tangible.

Mikeyrat

Started Atkins 5/30/2003
337/285.5/237 - 6'2" 43 YO
Wife: 224/195/165 - 5'11"

New name: I just hated "unimaginable." When I originally signed up I never thought I'd be spending this much time here so I didn't even try to think of a nick. Besides, I'm awake at all weird hours posting so my new nick is somewhat appropriate.

KetoSTIX ROCK... Unf Unf Unf... KeTOstix Raww awww awk!!