Ketostix

[LesleyAnne2]

Have been eating LCHF for over a month now and first week lost 7lbs, but nothing since. Thought I would check if I was producing Ketones (maybe I am doing something wrong) but not sure what range I should be looking at. Can anyone help please?

 

[Indy51]

I've never used Ketostix, so can't really help there. However, you might find the following helpful - it's a nutritional calculator and information about breaking through stalls:

http://www.phlaunt.com/lowcarb/19058429.php

If you have a glucometer that also reads ketones, you could invest in some ketone testing strips. Jimmy Moore writes about the values to achieve nutritional ketosis here:

http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/jimm ... 1-30/14409

Best wishes,

 

[viviennem]

Any darkening of the colour of the Ketostik indicates that you are in ketosis. However, some people never show it - presumably they're using all the ketones and not excreting any!

Experiment a bit with the time you test - I usually get my darkest colour mid-afternoon or evening.

Viv 8)

 

[LesleyAnne2]

Thank you both for your help, it is much appreciated :clap:

 

[modesty007]

Or they might not even be in nutritional ketosis. Most reliable way of measuring is to measure blood ketones.

 

[LesleyAnne2]

I don't have a blood monitor of any sort, though I am thinking I might need to buy one.
Is there one that measure glucose and ketones?

I tried the Ketostix last night before bed. It registered at 0.8 (8 mmol/L, 80mg/dL) so a pretty strong reading. Makes me think I must be doing something right.

Also noticed that although my weight hasn't moved in over a month my waist measurement has shrunk a little, and my skin and hair look more healthy. And that's without exercise too.. which is another thing I need to start doing.

So all in all I am happy. Would just like to know what is going on with glucose level as my next NHS blood test isn't till December/January.

Once again, I appreciate everyone's help. Despite all the reading I am doing, part of my brain still says this can't be right and I should do as my DN says, even while the rest of my brain is saying this makes sense and appears t be working!

 

[viviennem]

You feel exactly as I did, when I first started Atkins for weight loss - having got to 20 stone by eating 1500 calories a day of a high carb, low fat diet - a "healthy" diet based on NHS recommendations! I wasn't diabetic then. I remember trying to eat the first piece of grilled pork chop with the fat still on. I practically had to force it into my mouth!

I still occasionally get "this can't be right" feelings when eating something particularly gorgeous - like yesterday's 2-egg cheese omelette cooked in butter. I think it's a hang-over from my Methodist upbringing - if you're enjoying it, it can't be good for you :lol:

Hang on in there, LesleyAnne. If you're feeling guilty, eat more salad! :wink:

Viv 8)