It's really dificult to work out how to lose weight and what diet is gonna work. Is it RC's BTT or WW or SW or SF or good old Dr.A not to mention all the faddy books that come out every month.
I tried the Atkins long before my son was born (June 2nd 2003 - he's so lovely) and lost a stone fairly easily. Then once he had come along and I had gained almost 3 stone I was finding it hard to shift the weight with "sensible" eating, so I tried it again last September and failed miserably.
I think what needs to be brought into the equation or perhaps needs to be understood is that we're all different, we all have different metabolisms - our age, weight, height, and body fat mass, plus other factors, all contribute to how much weight we'll lose and how long it'll take.
What has worked for me is accidentally discovering a Personal Diet Coach via a search engine. I used to get stressed, miserable, depressed with myself and then I would feel bad about my shape and pig out. I was a new mum, I was very unfit and I was always so tired that I was finding it hard to physically cope with the demands of a new baby. I'm a graphic designer by trade and this was a whole different deal for me.
I finally had enough by mid november and when I discovered this "personal diet coach" she simply recomended a 3 meal a day healthy eating plan which she said would first increase my energy levels then give me some weight/inch loss and with that I'd begin to feel much happier in myself.
Well she was right - I went from a size 16 (11st 10lbs) to a size 12 in just over 8 weeks and now I'm a size 10 (8st 6lb) and very happy. You should check out her website, it is www.healthnutronics.co.uk and her name is Sarah. I'd recommend her to everyone she really made a difference to me !
I know your not meant to leave websites but I think she could be of use to some of you
Good luck
Tammy : x