Atkins Diet: The Ultimate Guide
On the Atkins diet, you’ll need to cut your carb intake and fuel up with nonstarchy veggies, such as asparagus, and higher-fat foods, such as meat.Thinkstock
The ketogenic diet may be the “it” low-carb diet for weight loss right now, but its predecessor, the Atkins diet, is the original version of this restrictive eating approach. “Atkins and keto are both low-carb diets that may benefit weight loss, diabetes management, and heart health,” says Vanessa Rissetto, RD, a nutritionist based in Hoboken, New Jersey.
In addition to keto being much higher in fat than Atkins, a main difference between Atkins and keto is that you gradually increase your carb intake on Atkins, Rissetto says. Meanwhile, she adds, carbs “remain very low on the keto diet, allowing your body to stay in ketosis and burn ketones for energy.”
Today, the diet, also called the Atkins Nutritional Approach, comes in three versions. (1)
Atkins 20 is for people who:
Atkins 40 is for people who:
Atkins 100 is for people who:
Before trying any version of the Atkins diet — and especially if you are pregnant and considering any Atkins plan — check with your healthcare team.