Dr. Atkins recommends testing for ketosis (actually benign dietary lipolysis) by testing one's urine for the presence of ketone bodies. Most people use one or another variation on ketostix, a small strip of plastic with an area of reagent on the tip which, when exposed to urine containing ketone bodies, will turn anywhere from pink to dark purple.

There are a number of things to keep in mind here. The first is that the concentration of ketone bodies in the urine will determine how dark a purple the strip shows. In other words, those with a very good water intake, are likely to show lighter on the stix than those who are not well hydrated. Another issue is that the metabolism of dietary fat will result in the production of ketone bodies. In other words, it is possible to eat enough fatty foods to sustain your body without having to tap into your own fat reserves.

You want to burn your own fat, not just the fat you eat. Remember, Dr. Atkins did not describe carbohydrate restriction as magic. He simply pointed out that low carb eating gave one a significant metabolic advantage when trying to reduce weight. Numerous comparison studies have shown that, all other things being equal (such as caloric intake) those on restricted carbohydrate diets lost more weight than other groups with no restrictions on carb intake. The bottom line is to follow Dr. Atkins' advice and eat until you are satisfied - not stuffed. If your hunger/satiety feedback system is impaired, then consider other approaches to portion control.

Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, New and Revised Edition author: Robert C. Atkins asin: B000C4T48I