There is a group of us who post in this forum daily -- we're the Protein Power Pals. Several of us have noticed improvements in weight loss when we drop the fat a bit from the Atkins' levels. The Protein Power plan is a moderate-fat/higher-protein/low-carb plan. Instead of the 65% - 70% fat of Atkins, on PP we typically eat more like 50% fat or less. Each person is different.

As for eating out, I don't do it that often, so I don't worry too much. We eat out maybe once a month or even less. Anyway, you kind of get to know what 4 ounces of meat looks like.

Come on over and join in. We welcome everyone, and we try to work with each person to determine what's best for that particular person. We don't spout any hard-and-fast rules. It's good to read the PP books, which you said you have (but have you read them yet), because they give you the reasons WHY this way of eating works.

Hope this helped!