Atkins Diet plan is based around four important phases. Each individual phase allows you to knowledgeably select which foods to eat based on your need to achieve weight loss, enjoy good health and prevent disease. Food selections will differ to varying degrees depending upon the phase you are in and your individual metabolism. In phase one (Induction Phase), carbohydrate consumption is restricted to 20 grams per day. Most carbohydrate can be obtained from salad and other non-starchy vegetables. In phase two (Ongoing Weight Loss) you add carbohydrate, in the form of nutrient-dense and fibre-rich foods, by increasing to 25 grams daily the first week, 30 grams daily the next week and so on until your weight loss stops.

Then subtract 5 grams of carbohydrate from your daily intake so that you continue sustained, moderate weight loss. Phase three's (Pre-Maintenance) objective is to make the transition from weight loss to weight maintenance by increasing the daily carbohydrate intake in 10-gram increments each week so long as very gradual weight loss is maintained. And the final phase (Lifetime Maintenance) is the foundation for a lifetime of better health. In this phase you can select from a wide variety of foods while controlling carbohydrate intake to ensure weight maintenance and a sense of well-being.