I actually eat a very natural and wholesome diet, but it is carb rich and I feel like that has contributed to the small weight gain I've experience lately (about 7 pounds) which is why I'd like to try atkins. So in my case, it would be pretty gradual anyways, because all I'd really be doing is switching my fruit consumption to more veggies, switching yogurt to cottage cheese, and altering my lunches, which are my real carb heavy meal

Interesting responses - I haven't yet gotten over the sugar addiction (mostly natural though) - maybe when I see the effect that has I'll understand the "cold turkey" approach better?