Hi!!!
I am somwhere between Atkin's and Sugar Buster'. I like to go to all of the forums and read everyone's stories. They make you feel better when you're down. I have read quite a few books (Atkin's, Protein Power, Life without out bread). I have not read the Heller's. How is this lifestyle so different? Thanks---Angie

Hiya, Javamama !

CAD is different in that you have your regular 2 no/low carb meals, and then, once a day, you get a Reward Meal. During the Reward Meal, you may eat whatever you wish, provided that you eat at least 2 cups of salad at the start of it. This means you may have carbs during this one meal. It may not last longer than 60 minutes, however.

On CAD, you lose weight slower than on Atkins, but for some, it is more pleasurable. For me, it's kind of rough, because once I get some carbs, sometimes I want even more.

The only downsides are no in between snacking (not even no carb stuff) and no diet soda, unless it is with your Reward Meal. For me, diet soda helps my cravings back off a bit.

I really think you will have to read the book(s) if you really want to understand, but from an unscientific viewpoint, it is great because I do not think about eating all day. I know I can have two low/no carb meals if I choose to. That's it. No snacking. It is not hard, and I also know that I may satisfy any cravings or desires I am having once a day. I can do that. I have had one slip in 8 weeks. That is amazing for me. The weight loss is not fast for me, but I think I have done so many things to my metabolism over 40 years of dieting that I may have to wait a while for my body to be trusting again. We'll see. Meanwhile, I'm eating with my family again and not feeling deprived all the time. I think the weight will follow.

If you're really interested....get the book. It will answer all your questions.

Deb