Hi everyone! I lurk on this forum just about every day, and I wanted to share this program I found. I had lost 30 pounds on Atkins that I have since gained back and was having trouble getting back in the low carb groove - primarily because I missed fruit and yogurt and because I constantly resorted to large quantities of cheddar cheese for snacks. I've found a lower carb ketosis promoting plan that allows fruit and yogurt and which limits proteins to sensible, lean ones such as turkey, tuna, eggs, lean beef etc.

I first found out about Lean for Life on the atkinsfriends.com message boards. There is a group there doing Lean for Life - one women lost 25 pounds in the month of April.

The basics of the plan are as follows:

"Basically, it goes a little something like this...
First, like with Atkins and I think even more than Atkins, you need to buy the book - that's where all the psychological stuff comes in which I think is what keeps me sticking to it, even when I'm hungry. Plus it gives you your foods and stuff.

Basics - Days 1-3 protein days. 6-12 approx 100 calorie protein snacks that are low carb, low fat. Examples - 4oz cottage cheese, 1 hb egg, 2 egg whites, 2.5 oz tuna, 3.5 oz fresh fish.

Days 4-7 - Same, but at B, L, D add - one veg, one fruit and 2c lettuce.

Day 8 and each week thereafter - protein day (as above)

Important things to note
1. You can't "save" food if you want more in one meal.
2. Meals should be 4-5 hrs apart with snacks in the middle
3. You should do moderate (walking is fine) exercise 30-45 mintues, 5 days per week.
4. You must drink 90 oz min water or other calorie free bev per day - coffee is fine."

I found the Lean for Life book at Borders - there is a website: www.leanforlife.com.

Just wanted to share this - because I think this plan is a sensible Atkins compromise - and because it appears to be so effective and inspiring. You're trading fat for fruit - suits me!

I know I sort of sound like an advertisement.....but I just wanted to share.

Cara