This thread make me think of
this old link regarding second attempts. Hopefully, a few first timers will wander to this thread and recognize the importance of staying tough and enjoying the opportunity they have while STAC members will recognize that nothing worth having is ever easy.
I did well in the early 90s on this WOE, was depressed with slow losses the next few times I dabbled with it years ago, but am having pretty fair results this time around. I think many of us try to "bend the rules" after our first time because we think we know the secrets and can skip past the strictest rules as "seasoned veterans."
In reflection, I also think I was all about the whole foods the first time around (mainly because there were no frankenfoods back then that were easily accessible). The previous few lame attempts were more about replacement bars, sugar free candy and low carb desserts than meats, eggs, salads and water. I'm finding that when I cut out all the garbage (yes, even the "legal" garbage like cheesecakes, whipped cream, jello, and sodas) my results are more typical of my first time around. I still have my occasional legal treats, but they are the exception rather than the rule.
Hopefully a few modifications to your diet this time around will bring back the results you were looking for. Good luck!