Glycemic Impact

Free Recipes

Free Stuff

The Atkins Diet Plan - An Overview

Eat delicious food, never go hungry, lose weight and improve your health? You may think you have stepped into a diet fairy tale, but look around -- Atkins' devotees everywhere are quick to boast about the benefits of this low-carbohydrate program. So let's look at the basics of this program and discover the 'magic' formula. . .

The Atkins diet has been divided into four phases. Each phase works to prepare you for the next, while providing maximum results and paving the way for a new healthier lifestyle.

Phase One is known as Induction. This phase lasts a minimum of 14 days, and requires you to restrict your carbohydrate consumption to 20 grams daily. Salads and other non-starchy vegetables will be the primary source of the carbs you do consume. While you will need to eliminate sugar, grains, starchy vegetables, pasta and fruit; you can eat liberal amounts of fat and protein. Enjoy a cheeseburger (minus the bun), filet mignon, or grilled chicken with a salad and full fat dressing!

Phase Two is the process of Ongoing Weight Loss. During phase 2, you will begin to add nutrient-dense and fiber-rich carbohydrates back into your diet. The first week you will up your intake to 25 grams, the next week 30 grams, and so on until your weight loss stalls. Then simply subtract 5 grams to enjoy continued weight loss at a healthy pace.

Pre-Maintenance or Phase 3 is your next stop. This is the transition period between weight loss and weight maintenance. You will once again up your carb intake on a weekly basis (in 10 gram increments). The key to Phase 3 is to ensure that you are still experiencing gradual weight loss.

Phase 4 or Lifetime Maintenance is well earned! By now you have reshaped your body and your health. Along the way you have learned the necessary tools for eating well, maintaining your weight and optimizing your health.