About the Ketostix - I guess my question is
The darker the better ???

Mine was moderate..

Well, not necessarily. How dark the stix turn can be affected by how much water you drink, time of day, age of the stix, humidity, medications, etc. If you're in ketosis, you're burning fat -it's not a matter of degree but an either/or thing. It's like being pregnant -you are or you aren't.



Always eat your veggies first!

okay then what is the point of the stix ?

I guess I thought that if it stayed the lightest color then I wasn't burning fat - Is that true ?

If your sticks are beige, you're not burning fat. If they're anywhere from light pink to purple, you are burning fat.

They should generally only be used as a guide to make sure you're still in ketosis.

Some people test once a day, some people test once a week, and some people just plain don't use them, but rely on their scales, and the way their clothes fit.

I test once a day, to once every other day, and only chart my progress monthly - every 30 days.

I also use them about 2 hours after trying a new food, like a starchier veggie, new type of candy/bar, or LC baked goods.

Don't absolutely rely on them for proof positive - keep everything else in perspective as well by just using them as an additional tool.

Shrinkydink

I'm on my 4th day of induction and I was just curious if I was burning fat..
So - I was MODERATE - which I guess is good

I've been eating only acceptable foods & keeping 20 carbs or under.

And I lost 2 lbs. - So I guess i'm doing things right !

Moderate is just fine. Anything other than plain beige is great. The only time mine ever turn super dark is after an hour long weight workout. Otherwise, I'm anywhere from trace to nothing, but I'm still buying smaller clothes.

2lbs in 4 days is great, BTW. Just don't get discouraged by the stall that pops up shortly after induction.

Have you started recording your measurements? If not, get a little notebook, and do so. It'll help your motiviation during the "famous" 3rd week stall that practically everyone experiences.

Thank you soooo much for the Ketostick info!!!

I just need to see that i'm burning fat and it will motivate me more !!!

Nope - I haven't taken my measurements yet-but I will !

Also, is regular coffee okay to drink?
And some salad dressing have few sugars - is that a big problem during induction ?

Regardless of what the book says, just about nobody experiences problems with regular coffee.

As for salad dressings, during induction, your best choices are ranch, and bleu cheese. If they have 1 gram or less of sugar, go for it.. After induction, 2 grams or less isn't much of a problem, either.

I had ceaser and it had 4 carbs for a packet...

So from no on i'll stick to ranch !!

Thank you for all your help !

Check your local grocery store produce department.. Sometimes, above all the bagged salads, there's a selection of dressings that have 0 sugars, 0 calories, etc. The name brand is...(runs downstairs to look real quick)...Walden Farms. They have just about every flavor you could imagine.

Cool Thank you !!
I went to burger king @ lunch and thats what they gave me with my salad...
I'm sure i'll be fine!

By the way - How much weight have you lost ?

I'm down almost 70lbs...

Stats:

(296/228/135) Started 04/01/03.

That is awesome !!! YOu go girl !!

I'm going, alright.. all the way down to normal clothing stores, with clothes that fit, rather than tents.

that is so motivating !!!

I'm
5'1
142/140/115

I know everyone is different - but i hope i loose more within this week !!