Atkins’ Diet Phase 4 – Lifetime Maintenance - Since Dr. Atkins’ diet claims to be a long lasting way of life, the fourth and the final phase is called Lifetime maintenance.
Dr. Atkins claimed that his diet should be followed for life as a lifestyle eating philosophy.
Atkins Diet Phase 4 - The Rules
- Be aware of bad carbs; eliminate sugar. Instead, natural, nutrient-dense foods are highly recommended.
- Make appropriate food choices and choose acceptable carbohydrates, together with proteins, fibers and fats.
- Individualize your eating plan. Boredom can be avoided by knowing the acceptable foods and varying them daily.
- Take proper vitamin and mineral supplements.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Avoid all addictive foods.
- Exercise regularly. A daily brisk walk can suffice.
- Weigh in at least once a week.
Atkins also suggested that gaining more than three to five pounds is not allowed. Some seesaw weight variations are to be expected due to natural bodily adjustments of fluid and hormones. Once positive results are achieved it is vital to continue the plan and not return to old and unhealthy eating habits. All dieters are to learn their own Atkins’ Carbohydrate Level (ACE) until Atkins’ Diet Phase 4 - Lifetime Maintenance phase and maintain it permanently. Personal ACE is reached when:
- Body weight is maintained for several months
- There are no cravings for sweets and high carbohydrate foods.
| ACE Range | Carbs Quantity |
|---|---|
| High | 25 to 40 grams of carbs per day |
| Average | 40 to 60 grams of carbs per day |
| Low | 60 to 90 grams of carbs per day |
| For those exercising regularly | 90 plus grams of carbs daily |
Atkins’ Diet Phase 4 – Lifetime Maintenance
