The induction phase is the start of the Atkins Weight Loss Plan. The Atkins plan requires restriction of the consumption of carbohydrates. During this part of the diet, carbohydrates are kept to a bare minimum in order to start the ketosis process.

The induction phase is the most important phase of the Atkins diet. Do not skip this part because the entire weight loss plan depends on successful implementation of induction.

The idea behind the Atkins diet is that if you replace carbohydrates with protein, you will burn fat rather than muscle. It is a severe weight loss plan and requires that you follow the rules to the letter. This is especially true during the induction diet portion of the plan.

You will find that induction is the hardest part of the Atkins diet. There are two reasons for this. First, you will miss your daily dose of carbohydrates the most when you first give them up. Secondly, you have the fewest carbohydrates – only 12 carbohydrates a day – during this phase. For instance, nuts are allowed later on in the Atkins plan, but during the induction phase, they are prohibited. Continue reading →

After experiencing the Induction and OWL phases of the Atkins diet, your next step is to enter the pre-maintenance phase. This phase will set you up for a lifetime of healthy and balanced eating and living.

You should begin this phase as you come within 5 to 10 pounds of your target weight goal. Your weight loss will be slowed down even further but it is for a purpose. You want to learn the practices and habits that will determine your long-term success.

In the OWL phase, you will be adding carbohydrate grams to your daily count in the increment of 5 grams per week. During pre-maintenance you will increase that to 10 grams per week.

As long as you are continuing to shed weight (no matter how slowly it is coming off) you will continue to add grams. Ideally, toward the end of the pre-maintenance phase you will be losing less than one pound per week. Continue reading →