Baffled and need advise

AliceinRealityLand

As of Friday I have been on the Keto Diet since 3/5 and had lost 21 lbs. I decided to test my Ketosis strip (urine) since it had been weeks and I am Not in Ketosis. I was bummed since I use a carb app and my macros are well under what I am allowed and never more than 20 carbs a day. So I hunkered down, went back to the basics of OMAD tons of fluids a day including Keto aid and keeping it well beneath my range. I am still not back in Ketosis per the strip. I gained one lb last week but I do realize weight fluctuations happen so I am less worried about that especially since I lost another 2 inches in waist and hips last month. What am I doing wrong that there are no ketones in my urine? All advise welcomed

Sunny_Bunny_

Ursine strips can only show you ketones that get wasted. Not ones you are using and not the ones in your blood or breath. Breath is most accurate to show what you’re using.
In addition, you don’t even need to be in Ketosis to lose weight. Having ketones doesn’t mean you are burning body fat. Someone can test high in ketones because they are overeating fat to the detriment of body fat loss. Think Jimmy Moore and his weight gain over the years.
There is ALWAYS more dramatic weight loss in the beginning than later on. You can also lose body fat without actually losing any weight at all. I’ve gained and maintained 4-5 pounds over the last 3 years but have dropped 3 pant sizes in that same time. It could be frustrating because I still have fat to lose and am still 10-15 pounds from the goal weight I chose for myself. But I’m at th raise clothes I was hoping for. It’s still hard to totally celebrate that. It’s our nature to be constantly disappointed I think
If you truly begin to gain actual weight and not just water fluctuations, you’ll need to consider how much you’re eating. Are you drinking any calories? Are you doing any natural fasting, like pushing breakfast out a few hours or anything? Are you snacking? Are you adding a stick of butter to everything you eat?
Lack of urine tested ketones isn’t the problem.

tbrown1974

I would focus on the 21 pounds lost vs being in ketosis. Sounds like you are making wonderful progress. Would it make a difference if you were in Ketosis and still lost the same 21 pounds? Keep up the good work.

GammieLCHF

If you’re losing don’t worry about the strips. I’d be more concerned that you’re not losing. If it were me I’d look for hidden carbs and cut back on “dirty keto” foods. See if it helps.

2t9nty

masugr wrote: »

As of Friday I have been on the Keto Diet since 3/5 and had lost 21 lbs. I decided to test my Ketosis strip (urine) since it had been weeks and I am Not in Ketosis. I was bummed since I use a carb app and my macros are well under what I am allowed and never more than 20 carbs a day. So I hunkered down, went back to the basics of OMAD tons of fluids a day including Keto aid and keeping it well beneath my range. I am still not back in Ketosis per the strip. I gained one lb last week but I do realize weight fluctuations happen so I am less worried about that especially since I lost another 2 inches in waist and hips last month. What am I doing wrong that there are no ketones in my urine? All advise welcomed

If you are losing weight and inches, I would not be so worried about the urine sticks. I have never checked ketones, although I have been tempted to get a breath meter to do an n=1 experiment with protein and ketone levels. The metric I do track is glucose because I am a T2D.

In my case, I was really interested in getting the glucose under control and then losing some weight. I have done that, so that counts as a success for me. It might be a matter of identifying goals.

camtosh

There is one theory about pee strips that says once you are fat adapted and your body adjusts to burning fat and producing ketones, you no longer have any ketones to waste in your pee, so the pee strips don't show any. Doesn't necessarily mean you are not in ketosis. Keep calm and Keto on! you are doing fine.

GaleHawkins

Ketones in the urine is actually a negative health concern per some lab results I have received. My urine came back Neg for ketones when I was in ketosis. As was noted above one in ketosis long term should test NEGATIVE with pee strips. I think they are only for a gross check for Type 1 diabetes. Best of continued good keto results.