How many phases of Atkins Diet are there?

Atkins Nutritional Approach or The Atkins diet with its common name is a low-carbohydrate based popular diet. Diet is created by Robert Atkins. Robert Atkins decided to make a research on low-carbohydrate diets after he read an article on Journal of the American Medical Association. After research, he started to write books about his diet program. First book “Dr. Atkins’ Diet Revolution” is published in 1972. Diet became worldwide popular in 90s but also created some controversies. Atkins published “Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution” in 2002. It is not changing main style of diet but it’s possible to see some developments in phases. How many phases of Atkins Diet are there?


There are 4 phases of Atkins diet. First phase is induction, second is ongoing weight loss, third is pre-maintenance and last phase is lifetime maintenance.
Induction is the first phase of diet. It’s also labeling as restrictive phase of Atkins diet. Main target in this phase is forcing the body to enter “ketosis.” Carbs intake is limited to 20 grams of fiber or glycerin, 12 to 15 grams of permitted vegetables and fruits per day in this phase. 4 to 6 ounces poultry, meats, shellfish and eggs are allowed per meal. No alcoholic beverages intake is possible in this phase. Limited caffeine usage is possible but it’s moderated. 10 pounds of weight loss is standard in this phase per week. In 80s, Atkins dieters were using a little medicine called Ketostix but it’s not popular now. People feel metallic taste in mouth and mouth smells good because of ketones.

In “Ongoing weight loss phase”, dieters make a little increase on carbohydrate intake but it’s still 5 net grams of carbs per day allowed for dieter and it’s still very low. Phase’s main target is determining the “Critical Carbohydrate Level for Losing” on dieter so there can be take some precautions against cravings. Doctors mostly finish this phase after dieter loss 4.5 kg. Some rungs may be possible on this phase like increase acceptable vegetables, starchy vegetables and alcohol.
In pre-maintenance phase, daily carb intake level increases again by 10 grams. Each week dieter adds 10 gram more. Phase’s main aim is to find “Critical Carbohydrate Level for Maintenance.” The number found for “Critical Carbohydrate Level for Maintenance” is the number how much carbohydrates a dieter must eat without gaining weight. Some doctors didn’t approve but it’s common that dieters add some forbidden carbs to diet list. Daily water intake is very important and it must be at least eight glasses of water per day. Most of the dieters achieve the goal on this phase but it’s not enough because dieter must save the weight for at least 1 month to see the exact results. Dieter may reach carbs level for 10 grams but she gain weight, she must return back. Dieter can find her perfect carb point on this phase.

Lifetime maintenance is the phase that carries diet program to all time. It’s one of the most important phases because dieter has to carry all habits from last phases for all her life. Most of the dieters return to their daily life and they started to gain weight again. If dieter is following the rules but gaining weight, she must return to former phases.
Atkins Diets most popular period was 2003 to 2004. Nearly all adults tried Atkins diet and sell rates of carbohydrate-heavy foods fall down. Popularity also brought discussions about diet. Writers criticized diet on two main topics; some meals are very expensive and Atkins deceased some diet plans on his second book.”