abka, i agree in that i don't believe in extremes... but i do think that extremes is what made us gain weight in the first place (i.e. too many carbs) so what atkins suggested is in the beginning to do the opposite extreme (i.e. very little carbs i.e. Induction Phase)..this opposite extreme is to correct blood sugar levels, insulin levels etc.. then as we are slowly correcting that (and same time losing weight as a side-effect)..we can become more and more balanced in our food choices (i.e. Maintenance Phase).