Hello!
The Atkins plan starts you off on 20 carbs a day for two weeks which you can do longer if you wish. Then you add 5 grams each week. for example week three is 25 carbs a day, week 4 is 30, etc.. until you reach the amount of carbs where you quit losing weight. That is your magic number. I have read through Protein Power and I believe they start you with 30 a day. So 20-30 is probably the norm to start with. I would check out your local library or bookstore. There are usually lots of diet books there. Also
www.atkinscenter.com is a good resource too.
good luck!
laura