The problem with the atkins diet (as with many other very low carbohydrate diets) is that it tends to induce ketosis where fat and protein is converted by the body into the blood glucose the brain so desperately needs.
This coversion of protein into blood glucose is the reason many people on very low carbohydrate diets look so haggard. Their bodies are breaking down muscle mass.
After extended periods of this ketosis your fat cells can become more efficient storing fat up to 10 times more efficiently. So unfortunately, going off atkins is likely to result in fat gain.
The solution is a diet with moderate carbohydrate intake.
Probably the zone diet is the most versatile diet and of all the major diets and has the highest rate of compliance despite no support system.
You can look at the zone diet free at www.Drsears.Com
also, you can educate yourself about weight loss with the free book one hour to glorious health and permanent weight loss (free download www.Geocities.Com/glorioushealth ). This book is filled with practical weight loss tips from diet, to exercise, to sleep.
I also suggest you read from depression to glorious health (also free also www.Geocities.Com/glorioushealth ).
A little extra body fat is not the real issue. The real issue is the other health issues related to the excess insulin production which is usually the cause of excess body fat. Since every major western disease is linked it seems wise to educate yourself and deal with this major health issue.
I hope I haven't come across as being a little heavy.
I also hope something i've written here might be helpful to you.
Kindest regards,
andrew cavanagh