The Atkins Diet enables you to lose weight by changing the way your metabolism works. Although your body is able to burn both fat and carbohydrates for energy, it chooses carbohydrates as its main energy source. As such, lowering your intake of carbohydrates forces your body to burn fat for energy instead, which is the basis of the Atkins Diet. While this sounds relatively easy, you must lower your carbohydrates significantly for this process to occur. Gradually, through the four phases of the diet, you add more carbs back until you reach your desired goal.
Step 1
Research the diet before beginning. Read the book, "New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great." This lends insight to the program, how it works, what is required of you and the foods you can eat. It includes recipes and lays out 24 weeks of meals to make your effort easier.
Step 2
Clean your kitchen. Remove all foods from your kitchen that may defeat your efforts. Breads, pasta, cereal -- anything containing too many carbohydrates. Temptation is your downfall, so defeat it before you begin.
Step 3
Take it one phase at a time. The food you can eat during phase one is much more limited than the food you can enjoy during phase two, three and four. Make a list of the these foods and shop accordingly, filling your kitchen as you progress.
Step 4
Make the decision to move on. You have complete control over your progression through each phase of the Atkins Diet. Most people remain in phase one for two weeks, however, if you still experience carb cravings, or have lost 2 lbs. or less, you are not ready to move forward, explains Atkins.com. Each phase has its own guidelines to help you decide; follow these guidelines for optimal success.
Step 5
Exercise regularly. No diet is complete without exercise. Find a way to fit in 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per day. Aim for 45 to 60 minutes a day as you become stronger. Activities such as walking, swimming and riding a bike are excellent choices. To prevent loss of muscle, go to your local gym twice a week and participate in some form of strength training.
Step 6
Step on your scale once a week. Pick one day to weigh and measure yourself, recording it in a journal or on a chart. Watching the tape measure shrink during times when the numbers on your scale do not is motivation for you to continue and move forward.
Things You'll Need
- The Atkins Diet book
Member Comments