I think it would be more accurate to say that you deviated from the plan and customized it so you could lose weight and still keep the cravings under control. My plan is Atkins too, but I still eat almond butter for times when I'm hungry and need a quick fix. Technically I think it's allowed in one of the "rungs" but that complicates things for me.

On the other hand, I don't go soft on how I eat. Although I limit carb intake and allow myself a certain amount, I never consume fruits (except raspberries), starchy foods, or anything that's really sweet.

I think if we are maintaining a rate of weightloss and not eating as strictly as our plans would dictate but still being serious and committed, that's still okay. It's important to feel settled and "at home" in the new WOE instead of feeling like it's a formal practice where we have to do things just so, otherwise we're doing it completely wrong.

In other words, we should get to the point where the WOE comes naturally and (eventually) doesn't feel like we have to make an extra effort to maintain it.