What Foods Can You Eat On The Atkins Diet?

If you're trying to kick start weight loss you may be among the many who've considered trying out the Atkins diet.

Thanks to celebrity endorsement (from the likes of Kim Kardashian and Sharon Osbourne), the diet has been simmering on our radar for years, but what exactly does it involve?

Created by Robert Atkins, the Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate moderate-protein weight loss programme.

The idea is that by limiting consumption of carbohydrates, the body will switch from metabolising glucose as energy to converting stored body fat to energy.

The website (Atikins.com) states: "The Atkins plan consists of four phases, with gradual increased carb intake for each phase. The plan allows an individual to find his or her perfect carbohydrate balance that is ideal for their personal weight loss or maintenance.

"Atkins dieters are motivated to change and maintain their eating patterns with delicious and healthy food options."

In contrast to the Dukan diet, the Atkins diet allows high fat and some veg during the initial phase which lasts for two weeks.

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During the next three phases, some carbs, and more fruit and veg are introduced to your diet with the aim of working out what your ideal carb intake is to maintain a healthy weight for life.

Atkins say that as well as aiding weight loss, their diet plan has other benefits.

"There are also many digestive benefits that come with following Atkins. Fiber requirements can be easily met because the Atkins diet replaces highly refined, low-fiber carbohydrates with salad greens, fresh vegetables, low sugar fruit, nuts, seeds and whole grains," the website states.

Here's what to eat on the diet: