The Atkins Diet has been around since the early 1970s and continues to be a popular choice for dieters today. The Atkins approach is known for its carbohydrate restrictions and its often dramatic weight loss effects. Atkins weight loss continues through several phases, ending with a maintenance plan designed to keep the weight from returning.
Induction Phase
Phase one of the Atkins Diet is the induction phase. It is the most restrictive phase of the diet but is often when the majority of the weight loss occurs. During induction, carbohydrates are limited to around 10 percent of your daily intake, or about 20 g overall. This restriction causes a condition called glycogen depletion, after which the body must burn fat for fuel. The induction phase generally lasts for a few weeks, after which carbohydrate intake can increase gradually.
Phase Two
The next phase of the Atkins Diet is termed ongoing weight loss; though it is less restrictive than the initial phase. Carbohydrates can be increased during this phase, to around 40 or 60 g daily. People stay in phase two until they are close to their weight loss goal, or about 5 to 10 pounds away. Some people may even skip phase one and start their eating plan in phase two. The Atkins site states that dieters with lower weight loss goals or those who prefer less carbohydrate restrictions may go straight to phase two, staying there as long as they like.
Phases Three and Four
During phases three and four of the Atkins Diet, more and more carbohydrates are added to the daily allowance. During this time, the initially rapid weight loss slows down as the dieter approaches his goal. The Mayo Clinic refers to this as the Atkins Carbohydrate Equilibrium, in which carbohydrate intake is balanced with long-term weight maintenance. By phase four, a person is no longer losing weight; however, she must continue eating based on the recommended maintenance program in order to keep the weight from coming back.
Long-Term Weight Loss
The Atkins Diet does promote rapid weight loss, but how effective is it in the long run? According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, low-carbohydrate diets such as Atkins are generally more effective for weight loss in the short term and that after a year, there is little difference in overall weight loss between diets like Atkins and other healthy eating plans. The Mayo Clinic adds that any restrictive diet is bound to promote weight loss effectively. Despite this fact, almost 40 years after its introduction, the Atkins Diet plan remains a popular weight loss choice for dieters worldwide.
Member Comments