Hello,

I've been doing the real Atkins now for a couple of weeks. I've lost maybe 5-6 pounds, and am examining the entire weight loss process to gauge my progress.

First, I didn't do induction strictly. I wanted to experiement with carb levels. I scraped the CCL a couple of times, and came out of ketosis fully for one day, (cheddar cheese balls have lots of sugar.) I've been trying to understand what I can eat and still remain in ketosis. Here's my main question:

If you are in Ketosis, (funny taste in the mouth, Ketostix, smelly urine,) are you burning fat cells, or can your body be producing ketones from the fat you're eating? If you're definitely in ketosis, are you burning fat, or could something else be producing the effect?

The reason I ask is because although I'd like to lose weight quickly, the reality is that if this is going to be a WOL, then I shouldn't obsess with the speed of losing. However, if you can be in ketosis and still not lose, then I need to add something else. (Suppliments, workouts, etc.)

I know Atkins recommends both, and I have been increasing both, but I still don't want to invest a lot of effort if I'm not going to see any progress. I don't mind losing 10 pounds a month for a year. Just as long as the progress is sure, depending on Ketosis.

Let me know your comments. Please, accurate advice only. Personal testimonies can be really confusing regarding straight scientific issues. I've tried to look up this question but I can't find any post that mentions it specifically.