ATKINS

I've been doing Atkins "on-going weight loss" (Phase 2) for quite a while now. I have lost 25 pounds, which is over halfway to my goal. An important aspect of correctly doing this diet is adding back, in a controlled fashion, foods which are excluded in Induction (Phase 1). You learn which foods may trigger bad eating habits and what level of carb restriction is necessary for you to continue to lose weight (at a slower rate than during Induction). I am not yet at Premaintenance. Some days I enjoy less than 20 grams of net carbs per day; some days over twice that.

I have also learned how much protein I need to feel satisfied, and how much fat is "too much" for me.

Rather than needing to ingest 130 g carbs per day for "brain function", I find that too many carbs in a meal makes me sleepy and inhibits brain function! Seriously. I am more alert without them. I experience no afternoon slump.

I do not find this diet restricting. I even occasionally eat a piece of bread or a small amount of potato, always with protein and fat. A wealth of different types of food is available to me on this diet. It works well for me, and I enjoy the food so much.