Even properly designed Reward Meals had too many carbs for me and triggered my cravings and constant thinking about food. Reward Meals are like giving an alcoholic 1 oz of booze once a day. It took me 24/7 vigilance to stay on CAD (just like every low-cal and high-carb diet I've ever tried), whereas following Atkins Induction, Keto or Westman's plan eliminates cravings and constantly thinking about food and involves no effort on my part other than keeping off-plan foods out of my house.

The one thing I have retained from CAD is that if I do stray for a special occasion, if I keep it to <60 minutes and get back on plan at near-zero carb levels for 3 days, the excursion has no long lasting effects. But I cannot do it daily or weekly. For me occasions are only "special" enough ~5 times a year. The 3-days of white-knuckle vigilance required to get my cravings & constant food thoughts to disappear remind me what a bad idea Reward Meals are.