[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=Sienna]I have been doing Atkins since February 2003. I lost 70 lbs initially, but during the holidays I fell off the wagon and gained back 15. I have started induction again and for the last 7 days I have stuck with it completely. For some reason however this time I can't seem to get into ketosis. Those stupid strips won't change color for me for anything. Has anyone else had this problem, and did you still lose weight? I understand that having less to lose changes your system a bit, but I am getting really frustrated and my daughter's birthday cake is really calling my name.

Hi,
Just a thought....
I had a batch of strips go bad once. They can't take the humidity and heat associated with where I kept them in the bathroom and it kills them in a month or two.
So... before you take it out on the cake, get some new ones.
Best wishes,
T.

I was wondering if that was possible. Thanks for your reply the pull of that cake was really getting strong. Now I'll just keep telling myself I just need to get new strips.

First of all, congrats on your awesome success on the WOE!!!

Second, don't rely on those strips! A lot of people swear by them, but a lot more don't even bother with them. I've had them for when I'm first starting (twice) and don't bother to buy them after they're gone. Just another thing to obsess about If you're following the Induction menu exactly and not having any kind of LC products, you shouldn't have to worry about being in ketosis, right? You're levels will be where they should be. Keep drinking the water, take your vits, and it will happen.

Why am I even telling you this?? You're an expert after all

I agree, tho, that you need new strips if you're going to be able rely on them

I don't use the strips, but I've heard they go bad quite quickly. I wonder if keeping them in the fridge would be a good idea.

....put the cake down....and slowly back away...

Not everyone goes into Ketosis...look at your weight and your shape.