Hi all,
I'm pretty new to low-carbing, have been doing Atkins for two weeks and have lost 4 kgs. As I have so much weight to lose, I will probably stay on induction for a while longer (not having too much trouble sticking to it, though I'd love a piece of fruit now and then). It's great to have somewhere to come and get support especially predominantly from Aus and NZ. I used an online support group when I gave up smoking...it truly helped, and I'm sure this forum will also.
I do have a question though... If I am in ketosis, and I mean any level of ketosis, does this mean I am actually burning fat?
I've become a bit obsessed about checking for ketones, and the response on the strips varies greatly thru the day...sometimes it is very pale, other times it is marked, so I'm hoping that even when the strip is pale, I'm still burning fat.
I also went for my first 2 km walk this am, and I can tell you, that's great for me as I loathe exercise, but I managed OK, although that last half a k hurt a little!
Looking forward to getting more info and food ideas,
Goddess

Hi Goddess, welcome!

Do visit the other sections of the board, too, to take full advantage of this great place. The orange bar at the top of the screen is very helpful, especially "Low Carb Tips." You might also check "Hot Links" in the Newbies Questions forum. They are links to former threads where people have had many questions answered.

I'd also suggest you introduce yourself to everyone else in "Introduce yourself."

Well as you've just lost 4 kg in two weeks, I'd say you are definitely burning fat. But to answer your question, ketosis does not necessarily mean you are burning fat.

Personally, I believe the stix are a big waste of time and money. Eating a fatty meal, drinking alcohol, being dehydrated or starvation can all put you into ketosis.

I'm not suggesting you are doing any of that - you are very obviously burning fat.

The colour of the stix doesn't matter. As long as there is any colour change, you are in ketosis.

But why do you need to pee on a piece of plastic when you know you are doing a wonderful job with the weight loss? Are you starting to get the impression I think the ketostix are a waste of time?

Cheers, matey, glad you've joined us!

Rosebud

Hi Goddess!

A fellow Victorian here. How are you? I noticed you mentioned a quit smoking support forum. I wonder if you could give me the details as I am desperately trying to give them up too.

Thanks
Rose

hello goddess

i'm a newbie here as well, so hi from me! congratulations on the 4 kilos, that's wonderful progress so quickly! i haven't actually lost a lot of weight but my body shape has changed quite a bit, so i feel positive about that.

the exercise is probably going to be a big change in your lifestyle if you're not used to it. i go in the mornings before i have a chance to say "no" to myself, or to make excuses. i also quite love being out alone in the park at that time, it's therapeutic. once i've got myself into a routine i find that i feel really out of sorts if i can't make it for any reason.

as for the ketone change on the urinalysis strips, i agree about not using them too vigorously. actually i find that my urine is quite smelly (gross i know - sorry!), and that is an indication of ketosis in itself, so perhaps you could use that as a rule of thumb marker if you are concerned.

cheers
puzzlegirl

Thanks everyone,
Rose, the group I used to help me give up smoking was AS3, otherwise known as alt.support.stop-smoking, which I think you will find at the following url
http://www.accessnable.com.au/newsg.htm
good luck with giving up the cigs...and the carbs!
goddess