- Dummies Guide to the Atkins Diet

Dr. Robert C. Atkins took the weight loss industry by storm when he published his now famous book "The Atkins Diet". He said to ignore the fat and limit carbohydrates to lose weight. Countless people have had great success with The Atkins Diet. That success speaks volumes.

The truth is though, it's not for everyone. Talk to your doctor before you start the Atkins diet, or any diet, to be sure it's a good choice for you.

No counting calories. And say 'so long' to processed junk food. You'll eat far fewer carbohydrates. You will concentrate on eating lean protein and low carb high water content fruits and vegetables.

Your goal is to put your body into ketosis. By keeping your carb intake below what is necessary to replenish the glucose stored in your muscles, you force your body to burn fat for fuel. The fat molecules won't burn completely. You will literally be expelling fat molecules from your body without having to burn them first. This is ketosis.

The Four Stages Of The Atkins Diet

1. Induction

You start by severely reducing carbohydrates. No more than 20 grams per day. The induction phase lasts at least 2 weeks. Those that have a large amount of weight to lose may want to stay in this phase longer. Here is where the rate of fat loss is the highest.

You will see the greatest weight loss during this stage. These lost pounds will come from fat and water loss. As you deplete your stores of glycogen you will flush large amounts of water from your body. The good news is this will probably lower you blood pressure and it is very encouraging to see your weight drop so fast. Great for your confidence.

Expect to lose 15 pounds or more in the first two weeks.

2. Continuing Weight Loss

Now that you are done with the induction phase you can increase your carbohydrate intake to 25 grams per day. You will check you ketone output daily. You will slowly increase your carb intake until you stop producing ketones. You then cut back on the carbs a little just to stay in ketosis.

You want to stay slightly in ketosis so you will continue to excrete partially burned fat molecules. Here is where you begin to introduce low carb high water content vegetables to your diet.

Stay in this stage until you've reached your weight loss goal.

3. Pre-Maintenance

In the Pre-Maintenance stage you begin to introduce more low carb vegetables and some fruit to your diet. You need to watch your weight very carefully here and keep close count of your carb intake.

You will add carbs until you stop losing weight.

4. Maintenance

You now know how many carbs you can eat to maintain your weight. Continue to count carbs and choose healthy fruits and vegetables. Eat lean protein and get some exercise.

From this point forward you know what you need to do to maintain a healthy weight. Now go get some fresh air and have some fun.