Losing weight is not easy. Learn how you can lose weight by following the four stages of Atkins diet.

Sameer is all excited to attend his sister's wedding next month but he is not happy with his physique. He wants to get rid of those extra pounds so he looks good in what he wears and gathers all those special compliments. His concern is that he has very little time and he does not want to go on a diet that takes time to shed weight. He bought a copy of Dr. Atkins new diet revolution. There is a diet plan for him where he can enjoy chicken, seafood, eggs and cheese and still shed away kilos. Surprised? It is possible to lose weight while eating what you like with Atkins diet.

What is Atkins diet?

Atkins diet, also known as Atkins is a low-carbohydrate diet. Atkins diet was found by Dr. Robert Atkins, a physician. Atkins diet is all about eating food high in proteins and cutting down the consumption of carbohydrates. If you want to try this diet the first thing you have to do is learn levels of carbohydrates in the food that you consume.

Consuming a high level of carbohydrates leads to overproduction of insulin. High level of insulin results in increased hunger and weight gain. Atkins restricts the intake of carbohydrates thus switching the body's metabolism. The body then starts burning stored body fat than burning glucose.

The body enters the state called Ketosis where body fats are converted into fatty acids, when carbohydrates are cut short from daily diet. In low carbohydrate diets the body burns more calories as compared to normal diets. Consumption of proteins and fats is highly encouraged in Atkins diet.

Four stages of Atkins diet

Atkins diet comprises of four stages called induction, on going weight loss, pre-maintenance and lifetime maintenance. Each stage is well defined and goes on being less restrictive on the intake of carbs like processed white bread, white rice, pastries, sweets and starchy vegetables. The duration of these phases depends upon how overweight you are. It is believed that you can begin Atkins at any of the four stages.

Stage one - Induction

Induction is the introductory phase in the Atkins diet. In this stage intake of carbohydrates is restricted to only 20 net grams. You can consume green vegetables, salads, meat, seafood and eggs. You can also eat cheese, butter and vegetable oils. Drinking eight glasses of water per day is the integral part of the induction phase. One can lose 5-10 pounds easily if induction stage is combined with daily workouts.

Stage two - On going weight loss

In this stage carbohydrates are slowly introduced in the diet. Weight loss slows down to around 1-2 pounds per week. The intake of carbs is increased by 5 net grams per day. In on going weight loss stage one can add dairy products, nuts, berries, fruits and grains in the diet. This stage lasts until the dieter is 5-10 pounds away from the desired weight. This stage enables dieter to increase the food choices and continue diet program safely without any harm to the health.

Stage three - Pre-maintenance

You have set certain goals and you have to achieve them step-by-step until you reach your final goal, the desired weight. In pre-maintenance stage weight loss slows down even more as dieters are almost near their desired weight. In his book, Atkins has recommended that this stage should last for about 2-3 months. This stage enlightens the dieters on how to maintain weight using Atkins approach. Beans, fruits and starchy vegetables can be consumed during this stage.

Stage four - Lifetime maintenance

As its name suggests life maintenance stage lasts forever. If you gained weight again then you may have to go back and start all over again from day one. In lifetime maintenance stage you would be familiar with the needs of your body regarding to the carbs. The most carbohydrates that can be eaten without putting on weight are added in the diet and this diet plan is followed for lifetime.

If you have been receiving undesired feedback from people that you have put on weight, start with Atkins diet today. Amaze everyone with your new altered look. Some might even be envious to see you in a perfect shape. You can surely pass on your secret of losing weight.