I am just curious, do people really plan to NEVER in their whole life leave a true induction? I will add some limited carbs back once I reach within 10 pounds of my goal. But I will eat low carb for the rest of my life, because it is the healthiest choice for ME.
I mean that's really sad if that is so. To each his/her own. What works for one person may not work for another.
Why would someone not want to move on to the latter stages of Atkins which gives them more nutrition, better variety and a healthy maintenance? For some it doesn't work that way, depending on their various health conditions. For me, a higher level of carbs will make me sick and set off a lot of different conditions I have. Understand, some of us are actually allergic to a higher level of carbs. I am allergic to Americanized soy, gluten, corn, rice, and high glycemic foods (which set off my blood sugar levels), along with most chemicals that are put into food. I may never be able to have these items again. And I am ok with that. I do not feel deprived in the least. There are so many other healthy choices out there for me.
People who plan to never leave... is it because you are afraid of carbs? Nope. How can I be when I am in control of what I put in my mouth?
Afraid of yourself having variety? I get plenty of variety.
Afraid of no self control? I have plenty of self control. Just this week I baked a birthday cake and mint chocolate chip brownies for my husband, and I didn't lick my fingers or the beaters, nor did i eat a crumb. It needs to be understood that for some carb addicts, allowing them more carbs is like allowing an alcoholic 2 drinks a day. It just doesn't work.
Comfortable where you are at? Comfortable?... I feel the healthiest in my life at this level of carbs. Higher levels make my blood sugar levels do evil things and trigger my migraines, PCOS, Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other joint pain. On this level carbs I am off pain medications. A month ago I was on heavy narcotics. So comfortable? Who wouldn't be?
Just because you hate vegetables or what is it that makes a person want to stay so restricted as a life choice. I like vegetables. Ironically the low carb ones. I don't find it so restricting. I eat more vegatables now than I have in my life. I eat cheese and meat and nuts and avocados and olives. Yum! I get cheesecake and delicious ice cream and Italian sodas. When people see what I am eating, they look at their food and sigh. Mine looks far more decadent.
Or, do you plan to actually climb the carb ladder and just stay at 20 carbs a day? The only time I see my carb levels climbing is when I get pregnant, and then I will eat between 50-70 carbs per day, as per my doctor. I am not deprived at 20 carbs. Honestly, many days I don't get above 10 net carbs. I don't need to add the extra 'stuff' to my food, nor do I need treats every day. A 20 carb day is decadent for me and is usually only when we eat out, which we do not do that often.
I just personally couldn't imagine living the rest of my life on only 2 cups of salad, and one cup of restricted veggies, 3 oz of cheese, meat, and oils. What works for one person does not work for another. I see you are soon to be starting South Beach. It is a wonderful diet for some people. I did it for a long time when I lived in Miami (and when the info was still a handout from Dr. Agatston). As for the 2 cups of salad, I don't eat lettuce every day. There are a lot of other vegetables that fall under the 'salad vegetables' catagory. And the one cup of other vegetables is not really that restrictive. There are a lot of choices. Today I had pickled asparagus. Delicious! My doctor knows a lot about Atkins and said if I didn't eat lettuce but ate the other vegetables, I was getting my recommended 6 servings of vegetables per day. Most people in the US don't eat enough veggies. So I don't see 6 cups as being "only". I also eat low carb yogurt, drink low carb milk, and low carb cereal on occasion. I could eat low carb bread if I desired (3 net carbs a slice). There are pancake mixes. I can make cream cheese stuffed french toast if I desire. Muffins. Cookies. Cakes. Brownies. Cheesecake. For the most part, if one has a craving for something, there are low carb substitutes out there for most things. It just takes some searching and some creativity.
I didn't mean it rudely and apologize if I stepped on anyones toes, it's truly just curiosity. Not a problem. My toes are intact.
I hope I was able to answer some of your questions.