Hi Nancy,

Can't help you with the questions you asked, (I'm a relative newbie, too) but I just wanted to say "Welcome !" to a fellow Torontonian.

Is this your first time doing Low Carb? I've been doing LC (Atkins) for about 2 months--my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I know exactly what you mean about being at your wits end. I knew I had to do something, but I just couldn't face the thought of another low fat failure diet.

By the way, be sure and register at http://www.fitday.com
It's a great help in keeping track of the fat, protein and carbs in the food you eat. Also, check out "Hot Links" here in the
forum for scads of information.

Good eating...

judy