Hi Rosebud and Orchid...sorry I didn't realize I made a faux pax...won't do that again. My apologies. Orchid I studied Atkin's books and followed the program for 6 months prior to trying this "program" that I'm on now...and I actually didn't lose any weight...at first I lost 5 lbs. then never another to follow...although I didn't gain...I didn't lose. For me I think Atkin's might be a good "maintenance" program since all my life I've either been dieting down or eating up..never anyway to "hold the line". I'm new to the forum and I'm not sure how to contact you outside of the forum or to read your "journal"...when I clicked on "journal" I saw some more posting??? Can you help? Thank you both for responding...I appreciate all the support, interest, comments, etc. that I can get.