Hi everyone. I'm brand new to low carb eating, a former cynic - but am willing to give this a try. I have several male friends who have had great success with the Atkins diet. When they told me what and how much they ate, I was absolutely cynical. There was no way my body could eat that much and lose weight!

I'm 49 years old and have struggled with my weight since puberty. For the most part of my adult life I've weighed between 106 and 135. I'm 5'4''. I am most comfortable between 112 and 118 pounds. Two years ago, I quit smoking after a 31 year addiction. Within a year and half of my quit I shot up from 115 to over 150 pounds - the most I've weighed in my life.

In my younger days, I would have fasted for quick weight loss. In July, however, I began an arduous exercise program and a balanced but low calorie, low fat diet. The results were painfully slow. I realize that my age and my quitting smoking have both affected my metabolism but holy moley! I exercised two hours a day, seven days a week, eating like a bird, but only lost 15 pounds in three months. Taking a break mid November, I gained five pounds back and I knew after Christmas I would have to try something new.

So here I am following Dr. Atkins induction plan. I've lost 5 pounds since I began last Friday (the same amount I gained since November). I'm ecstatic with the results but I have a couple of questions.

1) Is it normal to feel light-headed? I felt better after dinner but was very dizzy while I was making the tuna salad.
2) Is any other newbie out there interested in the buddy system?
3) When one has reached his/her target weight and is on maintenance, what happens if one takes a day of rest from the low carbs. Can I ever eat a pizza again?

Thanks ahead of time for your imput. May the force be with you!