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The Atkins Diet
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The Atkins diet, a weight loss diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates developed by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, M.D. nearly 30 years ago, is a unique and popular weight loss method that is the subject of much debate. The Atkins diet has basically four phases; the first phase is called the induction phase¹. This phase is where the dieter restricts carbohydrate consumption to 20 grams each day. The dieter receives carbohydrates primarily from salad and other non-starchy vegetables during this phase. Phase two is called the ongoing weight loss phase². During this phase, the dieter adds carbohydrates in the form of nutrient-dense and fiber-rich foods by increasing his carbohydrate intake to 25 grams per day for the first week. Subsequently the dieter would incrementally increase carbohydrate daily intake by 5 grams per day (to a maximum of 25 grams per week) until weight loss stops. For example, in the second week, the dieter’s carbohydrate daily intake would be 30 grams per day; the third week would increase to 35 grams per day. Once weight loss stops, the dieter would then decrease his daily carbohydrate intake by 5 grams per day to continue a sustained, moderate weight loss. The third phase is called the pre-maintenance phase³. This phase starts when the dieter has between 5 and 10 pounds left to lose. It is during this phase that one makes the transition from weight loss to weight maintenance by increasing the daily carbohydrate intake in 10 gram increments each week so long as very gradual weight loss is maintained. Phase four is called lifetime maintenance. The dieter may select from a wide variety of foods while controlling carbohydrate intake to ensure weight maintenance and a sense of well-being. COMPARING ATKINS DIET TO U.S. RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCES When comparing a sample daily diet (above) that adheres to the high protein philosophy of the Atkins diet to the U.S.
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