The Low-Carb Diet Plan – Enjoy Losing Weight

So you thought dieting meant deprivation? Well, think again... and then shrink again by linking up with an eating plan that'll have you losing weight while you enjoy your favorite foods!

By now you've heard of the controversial Atkins Nutritional Approach. It's time to feast your eyes on the diet that's taking the world by storm -- a diet that includes flavorful and filling foods like butter, heavy cream, cheese, lobster, steak, chicken and shrimp!

We know it sounds too good to be true, yet the Atkins Nutritional Approach is a reality for all of us desperate dieters who’ve gained pounds while trying to hitch our wagon to a low-fat weight loss program. For more than 30 years it's been the Atkins approach that unhealthy carbs -- especially products made with white flour and sugar -- are public enemy number one for the six out of 10 Americans estimated to be overweight or obese. The late Dr. Robert Atkins was ridiculed by his peers when he first announced his beliefs. But over time more and more experts have switched gears and acknowledged the Atkins approach makes sense.

Colette Heimowitz, Nutritional Director of Education and Research at Atkins Health and Medical Information Services, insists controlling carb intake is crucial in laying weight woes to rest for once and for all. She tells eDiets that when you eliminate pastas, breads, cookies and other unhealthy carbs from your diet you finally address the cause of your weight problem.

“Your appetite is much more under control,” Heimowitz says. “You lose that craving for sweets and carbohydrates. Your energy is better because you avoid the roller coaster ride of high and low blood sugars, which happens when excessive carbs are taken in.

"Your body composition changes. Your clothes fit better. You lose inches. The majority of weight lost is fat mass.”

Follow the plan closely and you can expect to lose between 6 and 20 pounds... over the first TWO WEEKS! So what are you waiting for? The Atkins Nutritional Approach is easy, economical and effective. Cooking in or dining out, it’s simple to stick with the plan.

At McDonald’s, you can enjoy a Big Mac… minus the bun. If you choose to make a run for the border at Taco Bell, you can snack on beef, chicken, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes… simply skip the taco or tortilla shell.

“What’s beautiful about the Atkins approach as opposed to other programs is that you eat luxuriously," Heimowitz says. "You can have lobster with butter, steak and Caesar salad without the croutons. You can go into a diner and have bacon, eggs and sausage.

“When you’re on a low-fat diet, these are foods you can’t normally enjoy. But when you’re controlling carbohydrate consumption, fat poses no risk.”

The secret is mastering the four phases of the Atkins Nutritional Approach: Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss, Pre-Maintenance and Lifetime Maintenance.

The Induction Phase is most restrictive as far as carbs are concerned. However, as you move into the other phases, you add preferred carbs (some fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts) back into your diet. But watch out. Eating liberal amounts of fat and carbs is the kiss of death for dieters, Heimowitz warns. Your body will burn unhealthy carbs first for fuel, leaving the fat to sit in your arteries.

Can't live without bread? No problem. There is such a thing as low-carb bread.

Still not convinced your regimented enough to follow Atkins properly? Let eDiets guide you on your journey to wellness. You can get your own personalized Atkins meal plan through eDiets. And by becoming a member of the leading online weight loss program, you’ll receive your weekly menu, easy-to-follow recipes and a printable shopping list so you don't waste time at the market.

If there’s a meal that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you simply swap it out for something more appetizing. In addition, you receive 24/7 peer and professional support. You can frequent the bulletin boards and chat with fellow Atkins followers. When you have a question or need guidance, our team of dietitians, psychologists, exercise physiologists and other experts are at your beck and call.

Also see; how the Atkins diet works.

About The Author:

Mark Harris is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.atkins-diet-plan-n-recipes.com. Information about the Atkins diet plan and low carb cooking for long term weight loss.