Hey guys,

I've been eating the same for the last 5 weeks (less than 30 grams carbs). My ketostix regularly read trace - small. For the last week, there's been nothing!!!

I only drink 2-3 liters of water a day. What else affects the reading? Coffee perhaps?

Could the strips be old or just contaminated? You seem to be at your goal weight.

The strips aren't old, and I'm pretty sure they aren't contaminated. And yes, I am at my goal weight, but I'm afraid that if I go out of ketosis, I will gain weight. What do you think?

Trace still means you are in ketosis. REad the article on ketostyx at the top under the Low Carb Tips section. It's like being just a little pregnenet, youa re either in ketosis or not. Things that can effect the sticks are the fact your body uses keotones for energy. The sticks only show excess keotenes, so you may just be using the majority. Another hting that effects the color is how hydrated you are. If you are slightly dehydrated your urine is more concentrated and will show more keotenes in ratio to water. Go by how your clothing fits and progress on the scale, not to mention if you feel good or not, don't stress little sticks.