WOW!!! This all sounds GREAT! Thanks to you both again for the info
Tzo - I actually LOVE EGGS! I used to eat them every morn (omlets, w/blt, etc.), but at around age 30, my body just slammed on the brakes and whenever I would smell or eat them I'd upchuck (sorry for TMI

) I've tried over the years to eat them, but now my body just seems it will NOT TOLERATE eggs anymore
Lisa - I've done Atkins for years and never and I mean NEVER counted calories (one of the reasons I've always preferred low carb), and ate things like fried hot wings (by the 1/2 dozen or better), bbq spare ribs, deviled eggs (before my intolerance), cream cheese (full fat), etc. and loss massive amounts of weight (about 40 lbs to a size 6). I think it's clear to me that you can most definately eat more calories on true low carb. I say "true" low carb, cuz later on when I was working out (cardio) 5-6 days a week, I started adding banana & strawberry in my protein shake, and maybe an orange couple of times a week, and noticed that when I added the fruit, I didn't gain, but I didn't lose either.
Also, I noticed that when the ketostix was dark purple, I was losing the fastest (you can poll 100 people on that and get 100 different answers, but that was MY experience). When I truly cut out all carbs except for limited veggies, I didn't even have to watch my salt. I'm sure I ate massive amounts of salt and FAT! At one point I used to eat a slice of cheesecake everyday made w/sugar free jello and full fat creamcheese..it yes..it was OUTRAGEOUS!
I actually watched my ex-neighbors both lose over 100 lbs each, eating bacon, ham, summer sausage at all times of night. I would even eat right before bed. It's crazy!!!
Here's my take on low carb:
1) It does cause ketosis which allows for your body to utilize more of the fat you eat and excess fats;
2) It does maintain lean muscle because of the high protein content;
3) It also works to burn fat because of the high fat/high protein creates a "thermogenic" effect which can actually be felt during the night (which wake up actually sweating);
4) You can lose FAT very quickly provided you completely eliminate all sugars, including ALL fruit, starches, etc. and have no more than 30 grams of carbs daily. Also limit artificial sweeteners as they sometimes confuse the body into thinking it is REAL sugar when taken in excess;
5) You will lose long term energy - so I don't really think this is a good eating plan for certain people like RUNNERS, or if you are training for over 30 minutes and need endurance during your routine. I remember dying in my gym thinking it was just me! I eventually added the fruit to my shakes and did alot better...so you can modify the diet to get the most out of training.
Final conclusion...I still LOVE LOW-CARB..LOL!!! I think though...I've been with it for so many years...my body needed a break. Perhaps that is why I'm digging Bistro so much. I used to look at a sweet potato or rice with dread!

I have to smack myself everyday and say..'wow...you are eating rice and still losing weight? huh? serious?
But like most things...I'm bound to get sick of this as I am TRULY A CARNIVORE...and must have my MEAT..NOMNOMNOMNOMNOM! Looking forward to hearing about you allz progress and hearing about the tantelizing entrees! Enjoy!