I agree. That's why I have never done Atkins induction -- I couldn't entirely give up fruit. I have done on-going weight loss all along. If that has slowed me down I'll live with it, because I have been able to happily stick with this in the long run, and that's what counts. I eat at least one serving of fruit (usually berries) a day and in the summer when there is so much good fruit around, I often eat a second serving (a small peach or nectarine or something similar). Fruit can certainly be incorporated into Atkins on-going weight loss. I also occasionally (about once a month or so) eat whole grains such as brown rice. We all need to figure out what works for us. What I like about Atkins is that once you get past induction (which I just skipped!), there is a lot of room for flexibility.

I can't eat any artificial sugar, however, and still lose weight. I think this is probably because I am already at my carb limit from the fruit. Almost all the foods with artificial sugars contain additional carbs. I'd rather eat whole, natural foods anyway, so I don't miss the lowcarb ice creams, candy, etc.