Weight Loss Plans – Atkins Review

I have worked the Atkins weight loss plan and lost 34 lbs. I kept it off until I got off the diet plan and went back to my previous way of eating. The diet lets you intake fats and proteins, but limits carbs to allow the human body to enter ketosis. Your body then starts the process of breaking down fat cells to burn as a source of nutrition. Fats and proteins will leave your body feeling more satiated and hold your hunger for longer periods of time.
The Atkins Diet program is based on maintaining  your body in a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state where the liver excessively converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies which in turn are used by the body for energy.

Dr. Robert Atkins, the author, says the strategy behind the Atkins Diet: your body’s main source of energy is from carbohydrates. If you significantly decrease your intake of carbohydrates, it forces your body to utilize your stored fat for energy.

The Atkins Diet Advantage program offers low-carbohydrate pre-packaged foods making meal planning quick and easy.

Studies are ongoing to determine how the Atkins Diet affects weight over the long term. Studiesthat were conducted on the Atkins Diet for a period of one year showed significant weight loss.

Details of the Atkins Diet program are written in an easy to follow format in the Diet Revolution and the New Diet Revolution, by Dr. Atkins

Atkins Diet – Four Phases
The weight loss program is set up into four phases.

•    Induction
•    On-going Weight Loss
•    Pre-Maintenance
•    Lifetime Maintenance

Atkins Diet – Induction

For the induction phase (approximately 2 weeks) carbohydrates are restricted to 20 grams per day. Only leafy, green carbohydrates are allowed. Cheeses, meats, oils and creams are the bulk of this phase. Alcohol and caffeine are not allowed during induction. The ketosis state starts and causes calories to be burnt at a higher rate, usually producing the largest amount of weight loss throughout the diet.

Atkins Diet – On-going Weight Loss

Cheeses, meats, oils and creams are still the main focus of Atkins, but carbohydrates are increased weekly by approximately 5 grams. If there is an increase in weight or weight loss stops, it is advised to decrease your intake of carbohydrates. This phase is continues until you’re within 10 pounds of your desired weight.

Atkins Diet -Pre-Maintenance

Following the Atkins Glycemic Ranking, carbohydrate intake is again increased. The goal is to find level of carbohydrates that can be eaten while maintain the desired body weight.

Atkins Diet – Lifetime Maintenance

Lifetime Maintenance is maintaining the desired body weight while trying different amounts of carbohydrates. Varying the types of carbohydrates to determine how much of each food can be consumed without affecting body weight.

Atkins Diet – Exercise

Walking is one recommended exercise to maintain fitness levels while on the Atkins Diet. Walking is aerobic and will encourage the body to utilize fat for fuel.