The Atkins book lays out ideas how to go from one stage to the next based on 5 gm carb increases per week until you stabilize. I did not do an exact measuring - I just started to eat fruit with my LC meals. Then added Low Carb hot cereals for breakfast. That is about it. Now what I do is jump on the scale almost everyday to see where I am. This guides me. If I see my weight go up - I cut back on these new carbs like so much fruit. Also eat nuts and do cheat with things like beer. But always controlling it. Have maintained for 9 months now this way. Did 3.5 months induction and went straight to maintenance.