I started doing the ketostix last time I tried this and it seemed I hardly registered a color during the day but I drink so much water that I'm sure it was diluted.

Is it best to do it first thing in the morning?

Dr.Atkins says in the evening 1 hr ( i think ) after dinner...but it doesn't matter...you're either in ketosis or your not..any time of day...the color doesn't matter..pink-purple= same thing...ketosis

Audraq:

I check first thing in the morning because I drink so much water during the day that the sticks show me out of ketosis. I've noticed that many people who drink lots of water tend to do that as well.

What's most important is that you do it at the same time each day.

I used to rely heavily on my stix...It was a "warm and fuzzy" for me to see I was making progress.

I'd notice different colors all the time. Darker purple (strong) to light pink (small). I found that it really matters when you do test. When I tested shortly after a meal, they were much darker than half way between meals. And, almost always, very light in the morning. So, I listened to the advise on this board which said, "you're either in or out" so don't worry about the color.

I still use them as a crutch between the days I get on the scale (only once a week).

The true sign is your clothes feeling looser!

Good Luck!

Thanks!!!!