Gee, I've only heard about it being bad for your kidneys.

I've been LC for over two years and am in better health than I was at 20...

For crunchy, I had the same want when I first started. I would eat celery sticks, cucumbers, pickles and radishes, usually with a bit of chese or meat. Macadamia nuts in moderation are OK, but not on induction. Didn't discover pork rinds until I read Atkins. Like many other things that will change as you go deeper into this WOL - especially sugar cravings - you will lose your need for crunchy and will find protein snacks enough to satisfy.

I second Nat on being informed. You cannot follow the Atkins plan properly without having read the Atkins book.

Karen