Atkins Diet Phase 1 Tips for Success
The Atkins diet phase 1 is also called the induction stage. This is usually the most difficult part of the diet and the toughest to overcome.
The induction stage takes around one to two weeks. It is characterized by the reduction on carbohydrates by refraining from eating certain foods. The diet cuts back on a lot of dairy products such as cheese, oil and bread products.
Most of the carbohydrates of the Atkins diet are drawn from fruits and vegetables with a total carbohydrate quota intake of 20 grams. A person is also expected to refrain from foods containing alcohol and caffeine.
The Atkins diet phase 1 stage is where a person is expected to have a sudden change in weight. This is mostly due to the sudden change in the nutrient sources of the body. As it adjusts some more, weight loss will then enter a steady pulse. Energy levels are also expected to skyrocket as the carbohydrate source from fruits and vegetables provide a steady burn of energy. The body, at this stage, will be trained to draw energy from carbohydrates instead of drawing it from fats. This is mainly what prompts weight loss and what causes the burst in energy levels.
There are three main goals that the Atkins diet phase 1 will seek to achieve. These include:
The induction of benign dietary ketosis
This is when the urine exhibits the presence of fat metabolites. This is an indicator that fats are not stored in the body anymore, hence causing the decrease in body mass. Also, this causes your appetite to diminish, which lessens the calories that are stored up in the body.
Blood sugar stabilization
The second goal is to have stable blood sugar levels. This ensures that the body remains completely healthy even if there is a lessened intake of particular food substances. This also wards off the negative symptoms that come with an unstable blood sugar level. This includes mood swings, fatigue and brain fog. Also as sugar levels stabilize, the body experiences less and less of food cravings.
Weight loss
This is usually the goal of most individuals who submit themselves to the diet. Weight loss will manifest during the two weeks of induction. However, lasting effects will only come about if the diet is continued.
Keeping your health goals in mind is the key of keeping true to your regimen and following the Atkins diet phase 1. As they say, no pain, no gain.