You know, in the Atkins essentials book, there are menu plans for the 2 week induction..and each day includes a shake or bar. I ate everything you were supposed to (no bars etc) and For the first few days..I actually gained weight and then I decided to "cheat" and eat a bar a day..and have lost 7 pounds. Since I am still losing weight..I will keep eating them. It keeps me from cheating..and in MY case..it is working for me. Perhaps I'd be losing more if I DIDN'T eat them..but right now it is "that time" in my cycle..and I am just craving chocolate.