Hi Judy, Maybe I can hit on something here that works for me anyway...One of the main things Atkin's does in his book is dispell the myth of a "balanced diet." ***And I mean "myth" for us who have tried the balanced diet for many years and it doesn't work. For some, it does.
I would say try the Atkins Diet for two weeks or longer if you can. Hunger is the main reason I'm following it. It works great for me...when I stick right to it. It can take a little while to get into ketosis. I've tried many different good diets, but was always hungry which led me to failure. And when I do get hungry now, I eat the foods reccomended in the Atkin's book. Sometimes two pieces of pepperoni or a couple bites of a pork chop is all I need. You can have omlettes any time...0 carbs there. I also like the Atkin's powder for a drink, but I really like the premixed cans better. I also eat Carb Sollutions bars. I cut them up into "cookies." Sometimes I can't even finish a whole one to become full.
It's seems hard at first to get into the no carb mind-set and away from the "balance diet." But the Atkin's Diet Revolution has all the answers and explains what you're going through in the first chapter. Good luck in what you decide to follow.
I used to be a long distance runner until I hurt my back, so I still like to read up on it a little. I noticed what Atkin's had said in his book about it. It's been a while, but I think it was in a Q & A section from the old yellow book, or it could have been once when he was on TV.
He said if you are a even a marathon runner, but still over weight, watch your carbs like anyone else who is over weight and not to add any since if you're over weight, you don't need carbs. He said overweight marathon runners do exist. There is no need to add them then--that's a myth.
And I run into this all the time. People tell me to be sure and add carbs when I'm active with exercise...Why would I want to do that? To maintain my overweightness? For sure, I don't think we want carbs sticking with us. I use my Atkins books like a text book. I highlight, underline, draw picutes, everything in them that will help me lose this extra weight.
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I'm Ready To Call Uncle!!!
) I personally do Atkins. You get to eat great foods and not be hungry. Sometimes you have to force yourself to eat (they don't recommend you go over 6 hours I believe w/out eating SOMETHING). But I've heard people do other LC plans and enjoy them. And not sure what the difference is between Protein Power and Atkins so I can't tell you about that either. Sorry, I'm not much help. lol. I'll pass this question to the other Atkins people. See if they can help you out 
