How to get started with Atkins

First, what is Atkins?

To answer this question, we will refer to Atkins where we can find some very important and useful information on how to get started with free tools. So, why am I writing about it here then? Well, it is more to show you the basics to help you decide if The Atkins Diet could be the game-changer that you have been looking for, learn a little from my own experience, and as well help you get started. 

The Atkins Diet is as most of you know received its name from the doctor that discovered it; Dr. Robert Coleman Atkins wrote his first book on The Atkins Diet in 1972 called Dr. Atkins’ Diet Revolution Bantam. He wrote 15 more books following. Check out the full list of books by Dr. Atkins

Over the past 5 decades, Atkins has improved by making positive changes to the diet, the experience of the use of the free tools, and much more to living the best low carb lifestyle. If you are a fan of history, then you should check out the Atkins story where you will find an amazing timeline!

How does Atkins work?

The Atkins diet is broken down into 20, 40, and 100, these are to start individual on more of a personalized plane. With that said they are all similar, I decided the explain Atkins 20.

Phase 1 is to restart your body’s metabolism, this phase is about two weeks. Allowed food categories are:

  • meats
  • most cheese
  • oil
  • vegetables
  • artificial sweeteners
  • herbs and spices

The carb intake is 20-25 grams per day.

Phase 2 lost pretty much as long as you need or want it too. Atkins recommended until you only have 10 more pounds to go. Allowed food categories are:

  • artificial sweeteners
  • most cheese**
  • meats
  • fruits**
  • herbs and spices
  • oil
  • legumes**
  • vegetables
  • dairy**

The carb intake is 25-50 grams per day.

Phase 3 lasts until you hit your goal and have maintained it for 1 month after. Allowed food categories are:

  • artificial sweeteners
  • most cheese
  • meats
  • fruits
  • herbs and spices
  • oil
  • grains
  • legumes
  • vegetables
  • dairy
  • vegetable containing starch**

The carb intake is 50-80 grams per day.

Phase 4 is the ultimate resting place. With this phase, you will continue what you learned from the previous phase. Allowed food categories are:

  • artificial sweeteners
  • most cheese
  • meats
  • fruits
  • herbs and spices
  • oil
  • grains**
  • legumes
  • vegetables
  • dairy
  • vegetable containing starch

The carb intake is 80-100 grams per day. 

Pros

  • Weight loss 
  • Break the sugar addiction
  • Learning to live without sugar in your life

Cons

  • Not recommended during pregnancy (You must speak to your OB!)
  • Not remained for patients that have heart disease

The phases that are listed will differ from person to person. We are all unique, which can prove to be a challenge.

My personal experience 

Atkins helped me kill my desire for sugar that I was so used to consuming that it made me feel as if I had the flu. I would say somewhat as the Keto-Flu does, but seem it be a lot worse. I believe for Atkins it more challenging than Keto. Expressly the first month or two, I did not continue after that. Although knowing what I know now about Atkins, I may have handled the lifestyle change a lot better if I was to try it today.