Hello all, will eating leaner on atkins speed weight loss, or is the excess fat necessary?

You will know the answer to that once you've read the book! Until then, though, I will say that the Atkins diet is high fat, moderate protein and low carb. During Induction, there are specific foods that are allowed. Certain foods, such as salad vegetables, are even required. By the time you complete the Induction phase, you will find that your appetite has decreased significantly.

Until you get your book tomorrow, I will give you these 2 links:

http://www.atkins.com/articles/atki...cceptable-foods

http://www.atkins.com/articles/atki...es-of-induction

This is just the bare minimum of the information you need to follow the Atkins Nutritional Plan properly, so you still must get that book and read it.