Four phases define Dr. Atkins' diet program. The first is for 2 weeks, after which the dieters' unique metabolism is considered and appropriate adjustments made. In order to lose weight, to gain a better health condition and to prevent eating-related diseases, Dr. Atkins' diet program recommends four phases:

1. Induction phase
2. Ongoing weight loss phase
3. Pre-maintenance
4. Lifetime maintenance phase

Each has it's own specific goals.

Atkins' Diet Program : Induction Phase

Dr. Atkins claimed that losing weight it is a simple matter of giving up carbohydrates. Induction is the phase of challenging the human body to produce ketone and start losing pounds. The 2 weeks Induction phase is supposed to restrict the carbohydrates intake to no more than 20 grams (a small banana contains 20 grams of carbohydrates, for instance). Salads and some non-starchy vegetables may deliver carbohydrates intake. Potatoes, rice, pasta, fruits, cereals, starchy vegetables, bread are forbidden. Milk and diary-products as well. They are completely dropped out on Induction phase. Keeping on Dr. Atkins food list is essential. The saturated fat ratio is three times the daily needs of any person; the same for cholesterol. The daily menu contains onlyabout a fourthof the daily value for fiber and less than two thirds of vitamin B1, C, D, E, iron, magnesium, potassium.

Atkins Diet Program : Ongoing Weight Loss Phase

This phase is meant to provide fiber-rich foods. Weight-loss is still happening. It allows the increasing to 25 grams of carbohydrates in the first week, 35 grams in the second week and so on until excessive pounds have finally gone. When the process stops, it is time to go to the third phase. Some dieters may increase the daily intake of carbohydrates to 60 grams but most of them should keep at only 35-45 gramsper week. The cholesterol is still high (217 percent of recommended limit) and so are the saturated fats (more than 250 percent of daily value).

Atkins Diet Program : Pre-Maintenance Phase

This phase is some kind of transition between weight-loss and maintenance for life. Daily carbohydrate intake may be increased in 10 grams incrementseach week. Meanwhile, the weight loss is keeping, not as intense as in the induction phase: less than a pound a week. One deviation from the Dr. Atkins menu and recipes is allowed once to twice per week. This phase might last 2 or 3 months.

Atkins Diet Program : Lifetime Maintenance Phase

The first three phases are followed by a long-lasting phase, a low-carb living for the dieter. At this point, each person who strictly followed Atkins diet has already achieved his goal weight. On this phase 90 grams of carbohydrate daily are allowed. A lot of dieters would rather stay at 50-60 grams intake per day, in order to avoid gaining weight. Anyway, if a small weight gain occurs, up to 5 pounds, Dr. Atkins suggests a return to Induction phase. It is said that Lifetime Maintenance is the foundation of a better health and a thin figure. Atkins Diet Program