If you are having success with the Atkins diet, then stick with it - just for a bit longer. I know giving up foods is tough - however, no matter what diet you are on, you "give up" something. Even though Weight Watchers allows you to eat whatever you want, you are limited in points. When one only has 22 points a day and that slice of pizza uses up 8 of them, chances are you won't eat that pizza and opt for something else. So just learn to sacrifice a bit. It's tough at first, but slowly you'll get used to it. Also, if I recall, the Atkins diet is VERY low carb only for the first two weeks. After that, you can slowly start adding more carbs back into your diet. So push yourself to "survive" for those 2 weeks - you can do it! However, if you are just craving for some type of carbs, rather than give in and pig out on candy or cake or pie or something bad, go get some blueberries. Eating a handful of blueberries will most likely keep you under the minimal carb limit that Atkins diet allows the first two weeks. Plus, blueberries are probably the world's healthiest food. They have tons of antioxidants and anti-cancer reagents. They are small and you can eat just a few without blowing your diet. Good luck!
Big Girl.. Congrats on your weight loss so far! That is terrific.. As for the Atkins Diet, I've heard mixed reviews and results. One friend of mine had the same issue you are having. He would satisfy his "craving" for carbs, and would instantly gain 10- 15 pounds right back. After this yo- yo way of dieting, he decided that The Atkins plan wasn't something he could stick to for the rest of his life. What you need to do is find something that works for you. How much do you weigh now, and how much are you looking to lose?
Most fruits are "high carb" but they are also "low calorie". I can't truly see the logic behind fruit being a "bad food" on any diet.
First off, congratulations on your loss! That is fantastic! I am on the Atkins diet. I, too, have gone into my third week. One thing that is stressed highly about Induction is if you are bored with the food you are eating, move on to Step 2. Start adding 5g extra of net carbs a week and see how you do. Just as the Doc said, you are now allowed to add 1/2 cup of blueberries now, guilt-free! :D For myself, I decided to add that other half of the avocado to my afternoon snack. I highly recommend the Atkins website for food variety as well. They have some excellent recipes! www.atkins.com :idea: Another little trick that has been helping me: add a tablespoon of lime or lemon juice to a glass of club soda. It feels just like pop! :wink: I find that when I have something to drink rather that something to eat, the cravings go away. :idea: Try adding the Atkins Advantage Protein Bars to your diet as a snack. They really do taste awesome and they only add 2 net carbs to your diet. My favorite flavors are Cookies 'n Creme and Pralines 'n Creme. They are a fantastic treat and curb that "sweet tooth" feeling. Good luck and check out the website!