Did you just switch over to paleo/neanderthin from Atkins? Are you reading all of these books each time you switch?

I think you will have more success -- and health if you choose a plan and stick to it for at least a couple of months. The foods you said you were eating when you gained the 8 pounds were very salty -- you could have gained 8 pounds of water weight from the cheese, processed meats and diet soda -- which are chock full of sodium.

Also, this is not a place where anyone will judge you for the number on your scale.