What makes The Atkins Diet a different Weight Loss Program?
The Atkins nutritional approach consists of consuming protein and fat, plus controlled quantities of the most nutrient-dense carbohydrates, primarily in the form of vegetables. Atkins says you will lose weight without feeling hungry, and lay permanent groundwork for disease prevention while you’re at it. The plan is divided into four phases: • Phase 1 – Induction: This phase crashes you through most weight loss barriers and lasts a minimum of 14 days. During this phase you must eat three regular-sized meals, eat liberal amounts of fat and protein, eat no more than 20 grams of carbohydrate per day (that’s about three carrots’ worth), absolutely no fruit, bread, pasta, grains, starchy vegetables, or dairy other than cheese, cream or butter, and avoid coffee, tea and soft drinks that contain caffeine. • Phase 2 – Ongoing weight loss (OWL): This is the longest phase of the Atkins Diet plan. In this phase, you steadily increase your carbohydrate consumption. Each week you add 5 grams of car