Although this thread has been around a while, I felt compelled to respond. I hope all are continuing to pursue this program. I am new to this, started May 18, 2018. I do believe the Atkins web site may advertise too much of their products and not enough on the program. Atkins original plan (look for an older book) starts with lower than 20 carbs. We are all different, but for some to start at 20 carbs may be too much. It was not until I went down to 5-7 carbs a day did I start loosing, but not very quickly. My sister started at the same time and has lost more than me while eating more carbs. But we are both committed to this lifestyle, mine just needs to be a little stricter, at least for now.