Hi,

My name is Mollie and I gotta tell you I am so excited to "be" here. This is the first time I've ever written on a thread in any kind of online forum . . .

FYI: I've done low carb off and on but the last month is the only time I've been extremely consistent and "good" about it - - Carbs at about 15/ day, exercising, etc. Started at 139 and I don't have a scale right now but I'm guessing I'm at about 136, maybe 135. (Tried various LC experiments, all failures, for the month prior to this LC month, so deprived of those nice first lbs lost that go so quickly at the start.)

I am in induction but curious whether ketosis is possible in OWL. I know what you may tell me, that as long as I increase by only 5 a week I can see for myself, but ketosis strips are too expensive for me and my scale weight fluctuates too much to depend on that either...

Is it physically possible to be in ketosis at, say, 35 carbs????????????

I have used strips before and noticed I was out of ketosis after just a big salad.

Thank you!

Mollie

Mollie, welcome.

Some people never show ketosis with the strips, even at nearly 0 carbs. Some consistently show purple with a higher carb count. Everyone is different. The strips are just a tool to use, if they work for you. The scales will always be fickle. Your best bet is to measure yourself, or judge by the way your clothes fit. There isn't any better way to find out that your are losing. The number of pounds is meaningless. You can weigh more and be smaller, especially if you've worked out and have more lean muscle mass than fat. So don't obsess with pounds. Don't worry if you can't afford the strips. Like I said, they are just a tool, and many people don't bother with them. Just keep track of your carbs, and revel in feeling so much better!

And drink lots of water. Drink water before you drink anything else. Have it be your primary liquid, and everything else be extras.

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Nita

Ketosis is definitely possible at 35 carbs a day. Each person's metabolism is different. The 20 carbs a day is a low level where practically everyone will reach ketosis. I've been on OWL for 6-7 months now and I've been in ketosis the whole time.

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Sven
305/218/200
Start Date: 1/1/06

Welcome to low-carb eating.
The food's not bad here.

welcome mollie. as nita mentioned, the strips and whether or not someone "shows" ketosis isn't necessarily relevant to progress. it's just another tool. the bottom line is results. at the very least, if you do decide to get them at any point, cut them in 1/2 lengthwise to double your investment.

i do need to mention-15 carbs a day is low. you don't mention how much you'd like to lose, but at 135, it can't be that much. please don't be overly strict with yourself under the notion that it will work faster. people who keep their carb levels too low can sometimes find it has the opposite of intended effect, making it difficult for them to lose at all. if you're hoping to step up the pace, your best bet is adding exercise to your routine.

you also need to start adding in veggies and finding out at what carb level you lose vs. maintain. this is where the real magic of lc comes from, as this will help you keep off any weight that you lose. you will also find that the last few pounds will be the slowest to come off. that's ok, but you need to be aware of it.

you mention induction, so i assume you're doing atkins. if you're not working directly with a copy of the book, please get one immediately! it can make the difference between stalling and success for many folks, and it will be the best six bucks you ever spend, hands down.

good luck!

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