Question:
Okay, I've been to the library, and still..

confused about how to get back into ketosis. I read that I should get between 5-10g carbs per day. Isn't that a bit drastic, especially when deli meats, peanut butter, protein shakes, etc, etc...have carbs in them? Could you offer a sample diet which will jump start my loss again? I am not yet 6 weeks, and seem to be on a plateau. I had no ketones today in my urine either. I exercise, and get my protein, vitamins/mins., and water/sugar-free liquids in. Do I need to go back to the clear liquids I had at square one? Please help!!!    — Tina B. (posted on July 26, 2002)

July 26, 2002
Dr. Atkin's is the King of Ketosis. Just keep cutting back on carbs, test the first urine of the day, count for 15 seconds and match the color to the stick. No carbs is a deep purple, as you add carbs it lightens up until you get a beige reading on your dipstick meaning you are out of ketosis. Right after surgery I had deep purple but now I can get a pink only rarely. Keep your sticks sealed in the bottle, humidity will affect the reading.
   — Connie M.

July 26, 2002
I was on Atkins for 8 months. I never got a good reading in the morning. I got very good readings in the evening and especially after walking or cleaning house. I ate 20 carbs per day and lost weight. Hope this helps.
   — Pam G.

July 26, 2002
I think that you answered your own question... deli meats, peanut butter, protein shakes and some vitamin and mineral supplements all contain carbohydrates. For ketosis, I have always had to go to VERY low carbs: 0-10 per day. Take a look at the carbohydrate content of what you are eating, drinking and taking. Maybe you will need to switch to other sources like plain cooked meat (turkey, beef, chicken, eggs, cheese), a zero carb protein supplement (Isopure Zero Carb or ABB Pure Pro) and vitamin/mineral supplements that have no sugar in them or on them as a coating. Good luck!!
   — Rebecca T.

July 26, 2002
Getting back into ketosis may take some trial and error time on your part. Since everyone's body is different, it likely takes varying amounts of carbs to get each person to spill ketones in their urine. Sometimes it helps to get more protein in. Your body really has to work to digest protein. If you can get 60+grams of protein in and still aren't in ketosis, then try cutting back on carbs. Getting that 60 a day in protein pretty much takes up all of my time, so there is little left for carbs. I had surgery May 28th and a revision June 28th and haven't left heavy ketosis since my initial surgery. My PCP actualluy encouraged me to up my carbs to give my poor kidneys a break from heavy ketosis. Good Luck!
   — NicoleG