What is the Atkins Diet?
Here is a brief summary of this popular plan
The Atkins Diet is a plan that is based on the theory that the body burns fat and carbohydrates for energy. If carbohydrate intake is reduced drastically and a person eats primarily protein and fat, the body will lose weight rapidly by burning stored fat.
Main Concept of the Atkins Diet
Restricting carbohydrates in your diet will cause your body to go into a state of ketosis, which means it burns its own fat for energy. When the body is in ketosis, you tend to feel less hungry and cravings disappear, which causes you to eat less. Ketosis can also come with several unpleasant side effects. These include, but are not limited to, bad breath, constipation, body odor, light headedness and irritability. Many of these symptoms will subside after the body adjusts to the plan.
This plan works on the premise that sugar and carbohydrates enter the bloodstream very quickly and causes blood sugar levels to rise which result in the body secreting insulin. This insulin allows the extra sugar to be stored and is then converted into fat.
There are 4 Phases to the Atkins Diet:
Phase 1 is Called the Induction Phase. It is During this phase that the “Atkins Diet Menu” is introduced. To sum up this phase, you are allowed 12-15 Carbs that will come from protein and vegetables.
Special Notes for this Phase:
You may have 1-2 cups of caffeinated tea or coffee, but you should try to break the caffeine habit during this Induction Phase.
Alcohol is not allowed during the first 2 weeks of this phase, but if you continue on this phase, you can have a glass of wine or low carb beer.
Phase 2 is called the Ongoing Weight Loss, or OWL Phase. During this phase you will add more carbohydrates back into your diet while you chart your weight. You will learn your own very level that will still allow for weight loss. This is called the CCLL-Critical Carbohydrate Level for Losing.
Phase 3 is Called Pre- Maintenance.
Once you have just 10 pounds left until you reach your goal weight, you enter this phase. During this phase you will keep adding good carbs to your diet each week and you will continue to lose weight until you reach your equilibrium. This is the point where you remain at the same weight. This is called the Atkins Carbohydrate Equilibrium, or ACE, and is different for every person.
Phase 4 Life Time Maintenance
The main focus of this phase is the ability to keep the weight off for life. You will use your ACE number that you acquired during phase 3 to maintain and embrace your new lifestyle.
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