The Atkins Diet is all about controlling carbohydrates. Referred to as the trademarked, Atkins Nutritional Approach, the Atkins Diet focuses on losing weight by controlling the amount of carbohydrates, as measured in grams, that you consume each day. As you continue on the diet, you’ll begin to know your own body’s tolerance towards carbohydrates. The goal isn’t to rid the diet of carbohydrates forever, but to limit them while you lose weight, then slowly add them back in. Discovering your ACE or Atkins Carbohydrate Equilibrium is key.
The ACE is the point where you can eat a certain amount of carbohydrates, measured in grams, and remain at a steady or balanced weight. Once you begin gaining weight, you’ll know that you are reaching above your ACE. If you continue losing, you are below your ACE and will need to add more carbs to your diet. This step is the last of the four phases that compose the Atkins Diet. The four phases of the Atkins Diet are: Phase 1 or Induction, Phase 2 or Ongoing Weight loss also referred to as OWL, Phase 3 or Pre-Maintenance, and Phase 4 or Maintenance.
During Phase 1 or Induction, you will give your weight loss a jump-start. In fact, some people have reported significant weight loss during this period, including weight loss of up to twenty pounds. Lasting two weeks, you will limit your total carbohydrate count to twenty grams per day. Your diet will consist of what the Atkins Diet refers to as Net Carbs.
Phase 2, or OWL, is when you will increase your carbohydrate allowance each week. The purpose of this phase is to determine how many carbohydrates it takes before you stop losing weight. You will stay on Phase 2 until you are within ten pounds of reaching your target weight.
Phase 3, or the Pre Maintenance level is all about developing healthy eating habits. On this phase you only have ten pounds to lose, but the goal isn’t a race to reach the finish line. It’s all about reaching your goal weight in a safe and healthy manner, utilizing your new eating skills.
Phase 4 is the final phase. You have reached your goal and now you will learn the skills to maintain them throughout your life. The Atkins Diet is very successful and has been used by many people to lose weight since 1972.