While you didn't need the carbs, you did not blow it forever, either. What separates the success stories from the wannabees is the ability to get right back to eating properly after a lapse. This is real life and we all make mistakes from time to time. Put it behind you, eat low the carb the very next meal, and you'll be fine. Plan ahead with appropriate food, be alert for cravings for a few days, don't give in to them, and it will all be behind you soon.

And while 40 carbs in one meal is probably more than you've been eating recently, it also probably pales in comparison to what you ate pre-Atkins. Relax and concentrate on going forward, not looking back.