Is the Atkins Diet Plan Too Restrictive?

The first Atkins Diet Plan book was published in the 1970's and caused quite a controversy!

Since then the medical community has agreed with some of the aspects of this plan and it's popularity has grown. By far the most recognizable of the low carb plans, the Atkins Diet Plan is based on research by prominent cardiologists and involves a dietary lifestyle change as well as exercise and vitamins.

This plan consists of 3 phases. The first phase, called the induction phase, restricts carbohydrates 20 grams per day consisting of mostly non-starchy carbs with a very low glycemic index and meats. Mostly leafy greens and no starchy vegetables. Fruits are forbidden as is cakes cookies and any processed foods or foods that contain sugar and flour, of course! Meats and cheeses are allowed on this phase of the plan but no milk and cheese should be restricted. This phase is necessary to kick your body out of the insulin response cycle that causes you to gain weight and crave carbs. The good news is that once you make it through 3 or 4 days your carb cravings go away and you don't feel much hunger so if you can hang in for 4 days, you will definitely see and feel the results!

In the second phase you will gradually add more carbohydrates in the form of vegetables and some whole wheat breads and nuts - this is an experimentation phase where you will find how many carbs you can eat and still lose weight. At this phase you can also add in some low carb foods, many of which you can buy prepackaged or bake yourself. The last phase comes in when you are at your target weight and consists of finding out how many grams of carbs you can eat without starting to gain again.

Atkins also markets cookbooks, nutritional supplements and packaged foods. If enjoy eating meat several times a day and would like the convenience of buying prepackaged foods, this may work for you!

Atkins Diet Plan: Pro's

  • Reduces intake of sugary processed foods (these are bad for you no matter what diet you are on!)
  • Encourages dietary lifestyle change
  • Reduces hunger
  • Can be used with healthy food choices
  • Lots of low carb foods and mixes are on the market now
  • Has vitamin supplements formulated for the This Diet
  • Online Diet planning and tracking with eDiets
  • Atkins Diet Plan: Con's

  • Relies heavily on meat so may not be for everyone
  • It is easy to make bad food choices high in fat
  • Low in fiber
  • Not enough fresh fruits

  • Atkins Diet Plan Online Resources:

    Get a Free Customized Atkins Diet Plan at eDiets where you get the benefit of online recipes, trackers, support grocery list generators and more!

    Buy Atkins Diet Plan Foods Online shop our favorite online store and get atkins diet foods delivered straight to your door.

    Low Carb Recipes eBook expand your meal choices and get cooking today with this low carb recipe eBook.

    Do You Need A Low Carb Vitamin Supplement? - A low carb vitamin supplement might be just what you need if you have been skipping fruits and vegetables and relying mainly on meats.


    More Atkins Diet Articles

    Atkins Diet Basics
    Learn about the scientific theories behind this popular diet and how it can help you lose weight.

    Choose Your Atkins Diet Foods Carefully
    Eating the right foods is critical to achieve success on the Atkins plan, here's some tips on how to pick the right ones.

    Dealing With Intestinal Problems On The Atkins Diet
    Changing your eating habits can cause intestinal upset and the Atkins diet can really affect your digestive process - here are some tips on how to deal with that.

    The Atkins Diet and Ketosis
    Learn about ketosis - the state that your body needs to be in in order for the Atkins diet to work.

    Atkins and Appetite Suppression
    Find out about the science the Atkins diet uses to alleviate hunger pangs and curb cravings.

    Atkins and Sugar
    One big diet buster is sugar cravings, luckily the Atkins diet can deal with these easily if you follow the plan.

    Atkins Cost Savings
    The Atkins diet can be rather expensive but here are some tips to help you stay on track without breaking the bank.


    This site content is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before changing your eating habits or starting any diet.

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