Learn More. You can start in any of the first three phases. If you have just a few pounds to lose, up to about 15, you can probably start in Phase 2 at 25 to 30 grams of Net Carbs a day. If you are heavier, you can also start here, but it may take a little longer to lose weight without the kick-start that you get in Phase 1. You can also begin in Phase 3 at, say, 40 grams of Net Carbs a day if you have less than 40 pounds to lose. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll follow them to the letter day in and day out unless you eat every meal at home, so it’s a good idea to use the Atkins Carb Counter. Also, if you aren’t precise about serving size, you may be consuming more carbs than the meal plan indicates. In any case, it’s important to know how to count carbs actually, grams of Net Carbs as you start to add back more foods. Counting provides a double check that improves your likelihood of success from the start.
Proponents of this diet claim that you can lose weight while eating as much protein and fat as you want, as long as you avoid foods high in carbs. In the past 12 or so years, over 20 studies have shown that low-carb diets without the need for calorie counting are effective for weight loss and can lead to various health improvements. The Atkins diet was originally promoted by the physician Dr. Robert C. Atkins, who wrote a best-selling book about it in Since then, the Atkins diet has been popular all over the world with many more books having been written. The diet was originally considered unhealthy and demonized by the mainstream health authorities, mostly due to its high saturated fat content. However, new studies suggest that saturated fat is harmless 1, 2. The main reason why low-carb diets are so effective for weight loss is that a reduction in carbs and increased protein intake lead to reduced appetite, making you eat fewer calories without having to think about it 6, 7.
The Atkins diet happens in. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll follow them to the letter day in and day out unless you eat onn meal at home, so it’s a good idea to use the Atkins Carb Counter. Accessed March 12, Atkins 20.