Lisa:

Thanks for the lecture, and I am aware of how weight loss should happen. However, everyone's situation is different. I am getting married in 5 weeks. While I am not fat, I would like to slim down more. I am really working at Atkins and exercising regularly. Anything that will help me lose weight faster will allow me to reach my goal. I think that due to the high-calorie choices in Atkins, I have been eating more calories than I should. However, I do not want to put myself in a position of starvation (again, unlikely to happen as I do like to eat and do not have that much will power).

I would take exception that this diet teaches one to eat right for long-term living. I am certainly aware of the maintenace program. However, the vast majority of Atkin's dieters end up only doing induction, then returning to their previous eating habits (perhaps slowly). For most of the world, Atkins is a quick fix. THere are exceptions of course, and I hope we are part of them.