I'll just start out asking for forgiveness because I am dumber than dirt (apparently) about these urinalysis sticks. I just bought them. Mine are Bayer Diastix. All the stuff I am finding talks about Atkins brand sticks which turn pink or purple. Mine start out teal blue and go to dark brown. When I test, it is teal blue which is the lowest possible meaning I am negative for ketones.

Would someone PLEASE PLEASE explain to me if that is what I desire? I started Atkins 4 days ago and I have not cheated at all. I have stayed well under 20 grams of carbs every day. The scale hasn't moved YET though. I am not discouraged but I would like to understand what this darn stick is telling me!

Thank you all in advance for putting up with a newbie.

Cindy

I don't know I've never used them- where do you buy them?

I just wanted to say that I lost weight for the first time w/ atkins. I had worked so hard since last year and began atkins late Oct. maybe after trying Herbal life and losing only like 5 pounds.

I have a point here - Even doing atkins weight loss has been super slow. I was exercising like 20 minutes 5x a week and Karate 45 minutes 2x week.

Don't get discouraged. Maybe you should forget the sticks and give it the 2 weeks. to notice a difference.

It sounds to me like the diastiks that diabetics use to see if sugar is spilling over into their urine, in which if it isn't changing color is a good thing.

For you to know you are in ketosis you don't need the sticks -- you will notice a taste in your mouth, and if you are eating what atkins allows only, you will be in ketosis in a few days to maybe a week.

The ketostiks change color as to how much ketones you have in your urine, but if you are drinking lots of water your urine will be deluted and will show a lighter shade of pink. Any shade shows you are in ketosis, sometimes the darker color will show you might be dehydrated.

Hope this helps.

Debi

ah, do you recommend people do use the sticks? I've never tasted that taste or smelled a change in urine I hear others mention. but I have lost weight!

I don't think you need them -- look how well you've done -- 20#

Save your money and buy yourself something nice for a job well done.

Hey there Tennesse girl! I live in Franklin! Go to Walmart and buy the ketostix. They are the ones you need. I've never seen the ones you're talking about but there not the right ones. Weight loss just takes a little time. The ketostix can be helpful but also discouraging at times. About 4 yrs ago I lost 85lbs without even going into ketosis soooo hang in there girly, you'll get it. I also recommend starting an account at fitday.com and tracking carbs w/ it. It's a wonderful tool and it's free!

oh Heck, I've bought a completely new wardrobe! - had my nails done too.

Hi ih74farmer, looked at your fitday: did you really have 2 CUPS of cheese on the 10th

Cindy Hale, did you get Dextrostix by mistake? I did that once. The Ketostix (Bayer brand) are the ones you want for this diet.

If you bought the wrong ones and have already opened the bottle, you might try to find a free clinic that can accept a donation. Most clinics that treat poor people have a lot of diabetic patients.

Cindy -- Be careful (if you do go buy the Ketostix) that you keep them absolutely dry (when not in use, of course) I stored my jar of Ketosticks in a cupboard that adjoins the bathroom and they stopped working due to the humidity. My advice, if you go buy some, would be to store them in your bedroom or kitchen cupboard...

Good luck!

Hey Lindi no, but the carb count was the same so I just left it:-)

Thanks everyone. I did buy the wrong thing. The pharmacist helper person gave me the wrong bottle. Cost me $10 for nothin'! Anyway, I got the Ketostick and I am now in full blown Ketosis. I taste the somewhat metallic taste too. The only unfortunate thing is I feel a little queasy from time to time. Don't know what that is all about. I drink drink drink all day long too. It is as if I am starving for water....and I don't get hungry much. Strange diet, this one!