I would like to offer one very very important piece of informatio and advice about the Atkins diet. And that is, please dont do it. As someone who comes from a very nutritional mindset and nutritional medical standpoint the Atkins diet is a very very bad thing. My whole family, is into medicine through nutrition. When you cut out the carbs in your diet, you lose important nutrition. While many things may have carbs. And carry along what seems to be weight gaining "stuff" cutting them out of your diet is not smart, in fact it can be downright dangerous. By doing this you starve your bodie from nutrients that it is used to recieving from those foods, you are now cutting out. Not to mention you are now adding in foods that are famous for blocking arteries, and turning your blood cells into fat carriers bound to have trouble. If you want to lose weight, it will not be easy, and certainly cannot be done in a healthy way by cutting out crucial foods in your diet. First off let me tell you that food, has the highest amounts of nutrition in its raw form. Or atleast steamed. Once you pass the level of steaming, and food is heated past about 170 f. It loses much of its value. The trick to a diet is not cutting out a couple foods, and being able to eat as much meat and other non carb crap as you can force in your body no. Its maximum nutrition, minimum extra. If you are serious about shedding some pounds. Find out the nutritional requirements for someone of your age and stature. Then plan accordingly. basically, plenty of fruits and veggies, stay away from meats, especially beef, fish is ok, Sushi is great! Have Steamed veggies, and as much fruit as you can handle. Also accompany this with a great nutritional supplement. WOW.Have fun shedding the pounds, it will be worth the work.