How to Transition From Atkins

The Atkins Diet---a low-carb approach to dieting---was developed in the 1970s by Dr. Robert Atkins and gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. If you decide to follow the Atkins plan, you will lose weight quickly. Nevertheless, you are at risk of regaining weight at a rapid pace if you abruptly stop the diet. By planning a slow transition from the Atkins approach, you can maintain the results of all your hard work and enjoy the foods you love.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the number of carbohydrates you need. According to the dietchannel.com, the maintenance stage of the Atkins diet allows you to consume up to 90 grams of carbohydrates per day, which is a great deal less than adults and even children require. The Mayo Clinic advises that healthy adults should eat 225 to 325 carbohydrate grams per day. Ask your physician how many grams of carbohydrates are right for your diet.

• 2

  Develop a plan. Unfortunately, if you change your daily carbohydrate intake from 90 grams to 225 grams overnight, you will gain weight. You must slowly re-introduce carbohydrates into your diet. Try adding 5 grams of carbohydrates to your diet every day. Within four to six weeks, you will be at your recommended carbohydrate allowance without ruining your weight loss progress.

• 3

  Monitor what you eat. Not all carbohydrates are created equal. Avoid the simple carbohydrates that are found in cake, candy, and white bread as they will interfere with your weight loss. According to Mayo Clinic, you should select complex carbohydrates such as starchy vegetables and whole grains. Complex carbohydrates benefit you by providing you with the extra energy needed to burn fat. If you decide to consume foods that contain simple carbohydrates, eat them in moderation and only on special occasions.