The low-carb bars are a vary common topic of discussion around here - always will be - and most people are shocked when they discover that most of them have as many as 25 grams of hidden carbs. But they are a different type of carb and the claim (even by Atkins) is that they have negligible impact on insulin levels. Yeah? Then why do so many people stall out on them so bad?

I would definitely forget about them during Induction and then, after you've been going for a month or two, add them in and see what the impact is on YOU. Then adjust accordingly. You will probably need to do this with a number of foods that cause different people problems such as diary, nuts, caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

As for the ketostix - another very common discussion topic. First, understand that they are NOT required - even Dr. A points that out. Most pharmacies carry them but they are usually behind the counter - only because they are a small package with high dollar value (relative to most things on the shelves) and so have a tendency to walk away.

Keep the Faith!