Weight loss: Choosing a diet that's right for you

The Atkins Diet

Atkins is one of the most popular diet programs. 

It has been endorsed by many diet experts and celebrities alike. Atkins is based on a very simple principle. Eat right.

Atkins comprises a four-phase individualized eating plan that allows you to knowledgeably select which foods to eat based on your need to achieve weight loss and weight maintenance. 

Depending on your metabolism, current weight, and a few other factors you are given a plan that lists out various foods. Thus, an overweight person is also allowed desserts and other goodies but in restricted proportions.

The plan lays certain rules in terms of four phases of the whole weight loss process.

The first phase known as Induction requires you to consume only 20 grams of carbohydrates daily. Moreover, the carbohydrates have to come from salads and non-starchy vegetables.

The second phase known as the Ongoing Weight Loss phase, allows you to increase the carbohydrates intake to 25 grams during the first week, 30 grams during the second week, and so on. The intake should be increased till you do not experience any weight loss. 

Once you reach this point, you are asked to again reduce your daily carbohydrate intake by 5 grams to help you achieve a moderate but sustained weight loss. During both these phases, the Atkins plan also suggests desired quantities of fat and protein.

The next phase deals more with weight maintenance rather than weight loss. Once you achieve the weight loss you aim for, 

Atkins devises a plan for maintaining the weight loss. In this phase, you are allowed to increase your carbohydrate intake by 10 grams weekly until you experience very gradual and low weight loss. The key is to figure out the right quantity of carbohydrates so that your weight does not increase substantially.

Finally, the final phase includes tips and suggestions to maintain your weight lifelong. Atkins mainly works on the carbohydrate intake by your body. 

This phase includes a whole list of foods that you could select from while maintaining your carbohydrate intake.

The Dr. Atkins diet focuses on the consumption of nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods, and vitanutrient (vitamins and minerals) supplementation and has been accepted by millions of people the world over.