100 Strips

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why won't my ketone strips (Ketostix) turn purple?

Answer: Ketone testing strips were developed for use in detecting ketone over spill in the urine of diabetics. They are not a reliable tool for many low carb dieters for the mere fact that there are too many variables that effect ketone body over spill in non-diabetic individuals. Since ketones are used as substitute fuel by the body during periods of carbohydrate restriction or starvation, ketone testing strips measure the unused ketones, not the actual level of circulating ketones in the blood, which would require a blood test (not practical). Other variables that can effect ketone stick results are hydration level, activity level, level of fat ingestion and prescription medicine. Ketone sticks for low carb dieters are best used by people who are not seeing weight loss during the first two weeks or who have low energy levels, which would indicate a metabolic problem for producing ketones.

Question: I have been on Atkins Diet for the last 8 months and have successfully lost 50 lbs. I am currently having a hard time staying in ketosis, or the strips I have purchased from a local store will not turn purple. I feel I am reaching a plateau since I have gained/lost 4 lbs for a few weeks. I am on limited carbs because I would like to lose another 40 lbs. What do you suggest?

Answer: The only way to get into a higher level of ketosis is to bring the carbs down further, to zero if necessary for a short period of time to get you moving again. In the New Diet Revolution , Dr. Atkins makes mention of a radical version of his diet for people who are metabolically resistant to weight loss, it is called the fat fast. This diet is a 1000 calorie plan which contains 90% fat, 10% protein and zero carbs and it will put even the most resistant person into ketosis. It is only meant for a short period of time, about 4 days, but it will get you losing again. From there, you should go back onto the regular Atkins Diet, about 20 grams of carb daily until you get closer to your weight goal. Supplements may also be helpful. Try 2000 mg of L-carnitine daily, 1/2 hour before meals or exercise. It is a good idea to get into some sort of mild exercise regimen, just work up to thirty minutes, three times per week.

Question: I have been following Dr. Atkins diet for about 4 months now, and I'm curious to know if my weight loss pattern is consistent with others following the diet.   I've noticed that, according to my scale, I won't lose any weight for five to six  (sometimes more) day stretches, then, all of a sudden, the scale shows a 4 to 6 pound weight loss.  I'm curious as to whether this is typical, or if I should start keeping a food diary and find out if I'm "over consuming" some hidden carbohydrates.  This happens even though the urine test strips are showing a dark purple.   Any insights?

Answer: Consistent day to day weight loss is more uncommon then what you've described, especially after the initial week or two on the diet.  These sporadic losses can be
related to several factors including activity level, caloric consumption, hormonal cycles
(in women) and percentage of protein, carbohydrate and fat consumed each day. The strips are not as accurate a barometer of fat loss and even ketones produced as most people think.  The strips test for only one of the three metabolic ketones, acetoacetic acid, the least reliable one to measure, especially for determining actual fat burned.  The most reliable indication of ketone production is beta-hydroxybutyric acid levels, which can only be tested via a blood test.  Acetone levels (bad breathe) are the best indicator of actual fat burned, presumably what you're most interested in.  So if people are complaining about your breathe, you know you're on the right track.

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