“The Atkins Diet,” a high-protein, low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, was introduced in 1972 by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, MD. Dr. Atkins believed that a high-sugar diet caused the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin, causing the body to store calories as fat. He believed that if we eat fewer carbohydrates, our bodies will produce less insulin. By doing so, our body would use stored fat for energy, thereby leading to weight loss. (1) “The Atkins diet” consists of four phases. The first phase, called the “Induction Phase”, lasts two weeks. During this phase, the dieter must strictly limit their carbohydrate intake to twenty grams per day. This restriction is necessary for the body to enter ketosis. When in ketosis, the body shifts its primary energy source to fat rather than its preferred energy source, carbohydrates. This leads to high levels of ketone bodies in tissues and body fluids, including blood and urine. Due to the limited amount of carbohydrates allowed, this phase proves to be the most difficult part of the diet for most people to follow. After a while, the dieter's blood sugar levels stabilize and their sugar cravings decrease. The second phase of the diet is called the “continuous weight loss phase.” During this phase, the dieter gradually increases their carbohydrates by five grams per day until weight loss stops. Once weight loss is complete, the dieter reduces their carbohydrate levels again, usually between twenty-five and fifty grams per day, until their weight loss continues. This phase will continue until the dieter reaches their weight loss goal. The third phase, called the "Pre-Maintenance Phase", allows the dieter to...... middle of paper ......s_2.htm(5 ) Atkins Diet Meal Plans. (06/18/2010)(6) List of Atkins diet foods. (06/18/2010)(7) Exercise. (06/18/2010)(8) Supplements. (06/18/2010)(9) Atkins Diet Menu Plan. (06/21/2010)(10) The Atkins diet. (06/21/2010)(11) The ketogenic diet. (06/21/2010)(12) Advantages and disadvantages. (06/25/2010)(13) Fatigue. (06/25/2010)(14) Atkins diet. (6/26/2010)