The Atkins Diet has been around for more than 30 years and maintains a strong following. On the diet you’ll adopt a lifestyle of eating that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and vegetables. While always available via books, now those who want to try the program can have free access to the Atkins Community.
The Atkins Community is a web site that allows you to customize your meal plans, set your weight loss goals, calculate your current BMI, and communicate with other dieters. Those who sign up can also receive a free copy of the book The New Atkins for a New You. The program, along with the free access to the web site, gives access to some extra support while you work towards your weight loss goals. There are still four stages to the Atkins weight loss program, but there have been some changes made so that it is healthier, more simplified, and with more emphasis on maintenance.
Those who may have previously struggled with dieting may find that the Atkins Community makes the program easier to follow. Through the information you submit, you will start at the proper stage in the program for your goals. You can plan meals that will generate recipes for your plan that include the proper amount of carbs based on the phase you are in. As you progress through the program, your meal plans and recipes will reflect the different phases of the program.
Exercise is also addressed within the Atkins Community. The exercise requirements are open to whatever activity you want to do, as long as you are getting in some movement. Your target will be displayed as a certain number of minutes per week. There is no specific daily requirement for your exercise as long as you meet your weekly goal. In general, experts advise a workout of at least 30 minutes per day on most days of the week.
Overall, the Atkins Diet may still be too restrictive for some, but there have been some modifications made to the plan to make it easier to stick to. Most of the foods you will be eating include non-starchy vegetables, greens, avocados, seafood, eggs, butter, bacon, cream, meat, cheese, olives and olive oil. As with any diet program, moderation is the key. Just because the program allows things like butter, cheese and various types of meats does not mean you can have unlimited quantities of those. You won’t have to count calories or carbs if you use the Atkins Community for your meal plans. The web site and the program will keep your daily calories between 1,500 to 1,800 for women and 1,800 and 2,200 for men.