The Lowdown on the Atkins Low Carb Diet

Low carb diets have become the rage in recent years, from celebrities to the neighbor down the street who managed to lose weight on a low carb plan. One of the best known in this diet category is the Atkins low carb diet, founded by Dr. Robert Atkins in the 1960’s. The theory behind this weight loss program is that carbohydrates – not fat – contribute to one becoming overweight.

According to Dr. Atkins, if you reduce the amount of carbohydrates you take in; your body will be reduced to burning its own fat for energy. This process is called ketosis, which can also affect insulin production and reduce the amount of new fat that is formed. The result can be a dramatic weight loss in those who follow the Atkins low carb diet carefully, especially in the first six months on the program.

The Phases of the Atkins Low Carb Diet

The Atkins program is completed in three phases. The first phase, called the induction phase, goes on for two weeks, and is the most restrictive part of the program in terms of diet choices. During this phase of the Atkins low carb diet, you must limit your carbohydrate intake to 20 grams per day. Fruit is completely excluded, as is alcohol and some vegetables. The purpose of this phase is to allow your body time to begin burning its fat as fuel. It is often the phase where you will see the greatest weight loss take place, which is helpful in motivating you to stick with the program.

Once the first phase is completed, you will move on to the ongoing weight loss phase of the program. This stage raises the carbohydrate intake to about 40 grams per day, depending on your personal metabolism rate. At this point you will be able to add a few more vegetables to your Atkins low carb diet program, as well as a fruit or two. The idea during the phase is to set goals for your weight loss program, and select foods depending on whether or not they help you gain or lose weight. Once you have reached your weight loss goal, you can proceed to the maintenance phase of the program. This is the least restrictive as far as diet choices, as long as optimum weight is maintained.

Success of the Atkins Low Carb Diet

Many have seen success with the Atkins low carb diet, particularly within the first six months of beginning the program. Some will agree with Dr. Atkins’ theories about fat burning and insulin production. Others believe that the reduction of calories that is usually the result of a restriction of diet is the reason for so many dramatic weight loss stories. If you are starting the Atkins low carb diet with the hope of losing weight, how it works may not be as important to you as the actual results that you see. However, before beginning any diet and weight loss program, including the Atkins low carb diet, you should consult with your physician.