Good suggestion re Secret of Low Carb Success. I found it enormously helpful. I believe the author Laura Richard makes a very funny observation re ketostix. She reminds us that as long as we're doing fine, we didn't really come to this WOL to achieve ketostix glory.

That said, I sympathize. My sister and I recently went on a trip together for a week. We're both on Atkins and ate exactly the same things in a day. That evening her ketostix read purple while mine read the most modest pink. I drink more water than she does, but it did feel a little unfair.

Don't worry about the ketostix color if you KNOW you're staying at your proper level of carbs. If you have any question as to whether you are staying at that level, the folks on this board are very correct when they say that writing it down in Fitday, in a notebook, in your journal at this site, or wherever, is an excellent tool.

You're well on your way and you will succeed if you don't let the minor zigs and zags get to you. Hang in there and keep us informed on your progress.