Wendy, My advice would be to eat natural foods as much as possible, and limit the processed LC stuff. I actually use splenda, but limit my intake to a couple of packets a day. What does your typical menu look like in a day? Do you exercise at all? With additional information hopefully we can provide some insight.

I also second getting a copy of the Atkins book to help you get started. While I do like the New Atkins New You (NANY) it does have some focus on Atkins products; which I am not a fan of. DANDR is your best bet which will allow you to cut out processed foods. If it comes from a can or a box you probably shouldn't have it. The exception is of course, vegetables. Dr. Atkins understands that some people prefer them canned and if that is the only way to get you to eat them - then do so. But, rinse them off first.

You want to eat as whole and from the earth as possible. Meats, vegetables (no potatos, peas, corn; read the book - there is a huge reason!)

Cheese should be no fresh cheese , meaning no cottage cheese and things like that. Hard cheese only. No more than 4oz a day.

Meat to start should be around 4-6oz per meal for a women.

Make eggs your friend.

Prepackaged meats and cheese should have no more than 1 carb per serving.

10-15 net carbs should come from foundation vegetables per day.

Again, this is all in the book and you should read up on it before embarking in the Atkins way!

Welcome and good luck!

PS the Atkins website has a printable list of induction foods. You should print that off and stick to these to build your meals around.
http://www.atkins.com/Program/Phase-1/What-You-Can-Eat-in-this-Phase.aspx

Also, you can read the DANDR online here:
http://docs.rapidlibrary.com/document.php?file=930497&desc=Cooking+-+Dr.+Atkins'+New+Diet+Revolution+(253p.+incl.+Recipes)+.pdf

1000 Atkins Recipes
http://docs.rapidlibrary.com/document.php?file=930496&desc=1000+atkins+diet+recipes+.pdf

Yes, please add me, I'd be more than happy to share what I know, but I'm no expert. On this woe, you'll be getting plenty of protein. Also remember that if you're cutting out certain foods, make sure that you get in all of your vitamins and nutrients.

I try and make my eating as simple as possible. When people ask me what my diet consists of I tell them: meat, fish and eggs with a lot of green veggies (broccoli, spinach, zucchini, brussels sprouts, green beans, various types of lettuce, etc.) and fat from butter, avocados, olive and coconut oil. I try and stay clear of diet soda but I drink plenty of water, tea and coffee. My poison of choice is Splenda and Stevia.

Definitely read through some more of the popular LC literature. Educating yourself can be a huge part of your success with this way of eating.

HSD (I like your handle ) you mentioned stevia, would you know of any brands that are less bitter? I sometimes use the 100% in powder form or the liquid with glycerol. The liquid is slightly less bitter, but the only way I can consume it is if it’s in a really strong drink (ginger & lemon juice). My daughter and hub goes rouge and boils the stevia leaves for teas and other herbal concoctions. I can't stand the bitterness so I reach for splenda instead, although it is frowned upon in my household. I’ve been on and off it for years with no issues or stalls.

Yeah most stevia is bitter to me as well but I've had some luck with the SweetLeaf brand but only in very small amounts. You could also try out erythritol or even xylitol if you can tolerate sugar alcohols. I use splenda for everyday stuff and the rest for cooking/baking with.

HSD, I'll check out the SweeLleaf for sure. The sugar alcohols are a no-no unless I'm having one of those SOS moments. I have stomach issues when I take em.

Wendy, what books have you checked out? If you're comparing the older Atkins version to the new is slightly different, but carries the same message. You shouldn't cut out the veggies completely because you'll need to have some carbs. I'll be more than happy to take a look at your diary.