I didn't know how else to say this. I have a friend who was doing well on atkins till she decided that once she lost weight she would date again (she's divorced). Well, there went her diet. She just has too many issues with starting to date again after a divorce etc. Linking her weight loss to that bunch of baggage was a big no-no. So, remember to lose weight just to lose weight! Not to get a boyfriend/girlfriend, do better at work, get society off your back, thumb your nose at society or whatever else you may read about or be tempted to attach to it. There are these books coming out now about the psychology of being fat. I suggest you ignore them! Don't wrap up weight loss with a bunch of stuff that is worlds harder to deal with. Keep it as simple as possible. Losing weight is a big achievement just on its own. Really, how many goals in your life are easily measured with just a scale! Just lose weight so you can tie your shoes effortlessly, hop off a couch, fit into a bathroom stall easily, move like a cat, dance for an hour, sit down without plopping down, reach into tight places, walk up stairs and the myriad of other stuff that life involves. Be healthier!

My mother weighs nearly 200 pounds and is in her 70's (she is losing weight slowly by cutting down on carbs). When she was young, she was strong and could carry the weight. Now, little things like getting in and out of the car are really tough. Even though my mom dates!