Thanks! I'll have to look into that. My fiance was on Atkins too and had the same complaints. She found that place "Curves" and has had a lot of success there. I just keep the carbs down to a reasonable level now. But bar none the biggest factor for me was eliminating alcohol. I did'nt feel I had a 'problem'(LOL), unless of course you'd call getting *hit-faced and acting a fool a virtue. I had my fill thru my 20's anyway. Another side benefit is that LadyLurkedalot can have a glass of wine or two out at dinner and not worry about who'll drive home.
You know something that helped, me? I was big into cheese (as there is a lack of ample Moose in SoFlo.) I found a soy-based product called "Veggie-Shreds" I can get at Publix or Albertson's here. I'll wrap some chicken or steak strips with it and some onions and tomatoes. Awesome meal and it's mostly protein except for the tortilla, but I can eat that as long as I don't eat other major carbs.
I also keep a stair master in front of the TV. I've had bad allergies this year with chronic bronchitis, but with the diet, I've dropped weight where I thought I'd gain (could be the bronchitis, too.) At any rate, it's enabled me to maintain myself consistenly for 3 years (2.5 beyond where the allergies got bad.)
But really, it depends on the individuals physical makeup. Just as some people have a high metabolism and don't require the same constraints that I do, I in turn respond better to higher protein diets and weight drops off with minimal effort.
Still, there are days when you wonder is Chocolate is a blessing or a punishment when you get on the scale.
At any rate, it's become a lifestyle choice now. All the best to you in your efforts...