I was never aware that you had to purchase anything if you were doing Atkins. As a matter of fact he stated quite clearly in his 1972 Diet Revolution that you did not have to buy anything including the book. At that time he suggested getting his book out of the library if that was what you wanted to do. Of course, this was before LC bars and suppliments which I believe helped launch the notion of LCing. We love our gimmicks. The only thing you may want to purchase are the ketostix which you can get at your local drug store. They are very easy to use and if you have read Atkin's book you will understand how the stix can help you gauge where you are. Again, they are not necessary but if you are a beginner it is a good source of information as well as inspiration. Good luck.