I guess we all have to whine in our own way. That's why I'm glad there's a relatively safe place like this to do it. Lots of "ears"--but nobody HAS to listen.

For my part, I try to encourage newbies to think long-term as well--towards establishing a total change in their way of eating, including a new frame of reference. To me, that means NOT reconstructing old carb-eating habits with "low-carb" substitutes. However, for many people, these replacement foods are the ticket to success.

I've been a yo-yo dieter for enough years (decades!) to realize that there's no such thing as "normal" eating for me. Finally finding a way that seems pleasant and sustainable fills me with gratitude.