The Atkin's Diet
The diet developed by Dr. Atkins is probably the best known of all the low carb diets. The Atkins plan starts with a very strict 14 day induction period. During this time you try to keep to 20 carbohydrates per day. This begins the process of burning the fat that has been stored in your cells and is called Ketosis.
Even in this very strict mode, you should eat 3 cups of non-starchy veggies a day. When you calculate your carbohydrates it is important to subtract the fiber grams from the total carbs. If you choose 1/2 cup of green beans you will see on the label that they have 5g of carbohydrate and 2g of fiber. 5-2=3 so you would count 1/2 cup as 3g of carb.
Once you have started losing weight, the amount of carbohydrates is gradually increased to a level that helps you maintain your ideal weight. Drinking lots of water is also recommended to help flush the fat and toxins out of the cells.
Dr. Atkins recommends taking vitamin supplements to replenish those vitamins that might be flushed out with the water. What can you eat? The Atkins diet allows meat, eggs, cheese, nuts, butter, cream, and lots of non-starchy vegetables.
There is no need to count calories, you eat when hungry, and will experience an increase in energy and a lessening of food cravings. Some people experience bad breath and constipation especially in the early stages. This usually clears up after a few days as your body adjusts to its new way of eating.
For more information on this plan visit the Atkins Center:
The Atkins Center
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