I find that on the whole things like Oxo cubes aren't recognised by US versions of the Atkins which makes it difficult to vary what you eat.

I have now been doing the NewAtkins since last April and initially the weight loss was very fast. Since July it has slowed considerably and for several months I lost nothing at all but have stuck at it as I feel well, eat lots of veg and find when I eat the occasional carb when out I feel very bloated afterwards.

However the main problem I have had long-term is that everything seems very dry because of the lack of gravy etc.

Have found this very yummy and only a couple of net carbs.

Take a couple of large tablespoons of cream cheese (about 1 net carb) and heat till almost on the boil, then add half of an Oxo cube (about 1.1) diluted in 2fl. oz hot water. It will look curdled but keep stirring briskly and you will get a lovely smooth sauce/gravy which goes with just about anything. If you have chicken you could use a chicken oxo instead but the beef ones don't give it an overpowering beef taste so if that is all you have it is fine.

Something as simple as some moisture helps I find without having to follow complete recipes when you are in a hurry and just want the same meat as everyone else in the house with some brocollili or cabbage

Sounds like a quick'n'easy way to make gravy!!

I sometimes add cream to the pan juices after frying meat or sautééing veggies like onions or red peppers in butter but using cream cheese instead is an option I have not heard of.

Next time I am out of cream I will try cream cheese, thanks for the suggestion,

I don't use the cubes much as I find them too salty for my tastebuds.

Often I haven't got pan juices to add cream to, which is why the cream cheese is so quick and easy in a saucepan. Takes less than a couple of minutes.

I agree re the cubes normally I find them salty too, but using only half an Oxo diluted and mixed with the cheese it is different.

I shall try that next time I need gravy and have no pan juices!

I mainly use butter, mayonnaise, cream or chilli if I want a sauce, otherwise I will cook up the meat juices to make a gravy.

Unfortunately I would have to stay away from oxo cubes as they contain MSG, wheat, glucose syrup and sugar, all of which I want to avoid, even if it is just a small amount. I also find stock cubes and bouillon too salty for me.