Dear MyThreeSon,

Check out the Atkins FAQ page:
http://atkinscenter.com/helpatkins/faqs/faqlipolysis/

Lipolysis testing strips (LTS) measure the ketones—the markers that can indicate that your body is in lipolysis and the secondary process of ketosis—in your urine. The strips will change pink or purple, depending upon how many ketones are there. The more ketones you excrete, and therefore the greater degree ketosis you are in, the darker the color.

Some people do not produce enough ketones to show up in their urine. If you are experiencing a reduction in your appetite and an improvement in well-being and are losing weight or your clothes are feeling looser, there is no need to do anything differently. Remember, the lipolysis testing strips (LTS) are tools; making them change color is not the sole object of the game.

There is another thread here on the metallic taste, but yes it is true, ketosis does give a wierd mouth taste to a lot of people.