[Jeff Chandler]

My family switched to a low-carb diet five weeks ago. We have a list of high-carb foods taken from the Atkins list, and determined what a "portion" of high carb food would be. For instance, a slice of bread would be a portion. We allow ourselves three high carb portions a day. That's all we do-no counting carbs or calories, no deal-a-meal, no low-fat worries-just restrict the very high carb foods. The idea is to change our eating habits in a way that is so simple that we can actually follow through.

I have lost 10 pounds, my daughter has lost 10 pounds, and my wife has lost 25 pounds. Five weeks, during which none of us suffered or went hungry. We just cut down on the bread, potatoes, rice, soda, etc..

Oh, yeah, we allow ourselves one meal a week where we eat anything we want(in moderation) so that we can enjoy holidays and special occasions.

[jennyp]

That's all we do-no counting carbs or calories, no deal-a-meal, no low-fat worries-just restrict the very high carb foods. The idea is to change our eating habits in a way that is so simple that we can actually follow through.

I think that approach should work just as well as the standard one of the 2-week boot camp, er, induction phase, followed by gradual loosening up of the diet. After all, like you say it is supposed to be the kind of diet you can live with for the rest of your life. (Which I think it definitely is.)

For me, I just try to avoid the white carby foods, and otherwise make sure the proteins in a meal end up greater than the carbs. I trust the fats to take care of themselves. It works great for me & hubby.

10/99: 163->146->155->140->???