The Atkins Diet

Atkins Diet is nothing but a low-carb diet. Carbs and weight loss are closely related. Metabolism can use two different types of fuel for energy – either sugar (and carbs that are quickly turned into sugar by the body), or fat. But the type of fuel you burn can have a big difference in losing or maintaining weight. A typical diet reduces calories but is still high in carbohydrates (and thus sugar). As a result, many people constantly cycle between sugar highs(where excess sugar is actually stored as fat in the body) and sugar lows (where you feel fatigued and ravenously hungry – for more carbs and sugar). For many, it is really hard to lose weight that way.

Atkins, on the other hand, limits carbohydrates (sugar), so the body burns fat, including body fat, for fuel. This approach leaves the body steadily fueled, and weight is lost, even when more calories are being consumed. Steady fueling also means more constant energy levels all day long, and less hunger and cravings! You can actually lose weight while feeling full! The science behind the Atkins principles has been proven by over 80 clinical studies!

If Counting Calories doesn’t work, cut it– try Atkins – it may be the perfect approach for you!

Foods to Avoid

You should avoid these foods on the Atkins diet:

Sugar: Soft drinks, fruit juices, cakes, candy, ice cream, etc.

Grains: Wheat,  rye, barley, rice.

Vegetable oils: Soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, canola oil, and a few others.

Trans fats: Usually found in processed foods with the word “hydrogenated” on the ingredients list.

High-carb vegetables: Carrots, turnips, etc (induction only).

High-carb fruits: Bananas, apples, oranges, pears, grapes (induction only).

Starches: Potatoes, sweet potatoes (induction only).

Food You Must Eat

Meat: Chicken, Lamb.

Fatty fish and seafood: Salmon, trout, sardines, etc.

Eggs: The healthiest eggs are omega-3 enriched or pastured.

Low-carb vegetables: Kale, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, and others.

Full-fat dairy: Butter, cheese, cream, full-fat yogurt.

Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, ordinary nuts, sunflower seeds, etc.

Healthy fats: Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, and avocado oil.

As long as you base your meals around a fatty protein source with vegetables or nuts and some
healthy fats, you will lose weight. It's that simple.

Beverages

Here are some drinks that are acceptable on the Atkins diet.

Water: As always, water should be your go-to beverage.

Coffee: Many studies show that coffee is high in antioxidants and quite healthy.

Green tea: A very healthy beverage.

Alcohol is also fine in small amounts. Stick to dry wines with no added sugars and avoid high-carb
drinks like beer.