I've been on Atkins off and on for most of the last 10 years (I'm 25) and it has always worked for me! the only thing... is that I always (and I mean always) tend to jump ship after a bunch of weight loss -- because it doesn't seem like something I could do forever! the menu gets frustrating... I start to miss certain foods (ie: blackberries, hashbrowns).

Is it safe to Atkins, but when I feel like I can't take anymore do a couple weeks of CAD to get me through the frustration of eating full on Atkins-style?

sommeralto,

I tried Atkins and found it to be a bit too strict for me to continue for any length of time. I even jumped off of CALP to try Atkins because I was at a stall.

Hindsight tells me that the reason I was at a stall on CALP was because my carb intake was much more towards the end. I have been following CALP for the last ten months and have had absolutely no problems with keeping my carbs under control because I make sure I balance them with everything else.

We all must find what works for us. I do know that nothing will work if we can't stick to it!

Good luck to you in finding your way!

the time I whole heartedly did atkins, I lost 20 lbs (what I needed to) and kept it off for a few years. Once I hit goal, I maintained this by having about three free MEALS (not whole days!) per week. It worked well. I pretty much had to be on induction levels the other days as I never could be at the other levels and not gain.

Since then I was off Atkins but very mindful of carbs (rare dessert, few starches, no bread in the house for years) Nevertheless I gained the 20 back. I am just very sensitive I guess

If I can ever get back there again -already I see it is harder now that I hit 40-I will be very strict about my three meals. I think it is important to be able to go out or be a guest at someones home, and not act like a freak about what you can eat.
If I did the carb addicts diet I would be at least 50 lbs heavier.