The Atkins diet was invented by Dr Robert C Atkins. Dr Atkins was a pioneer of the high protein/ low carbohydrate diets that are so very popular. His book 'Diet Revolution' was published in 1972 and was an immediate bestseller.

Low carbohydrate diets had been around for some time when Dr Atkins popularized the theory that you can eat all the proteins you want and lose weight as long as you eat very little carbohydrates. The diet does not allow sugar, Simple Carbohydrates or Refined grains and starches.

The Dr Atkins program is a high protein diet and allows almost no carbohydrates at the start of the diet. The diet works by inducing a state of ketosis in the body and you may eat as much protien as you want during that time. Ketosis is a state where the body believes it is starving and is deprived of carbohydrates and so burns fat reserves instead.

Ketosis is damaging to the body.

Initially there is a large amount of weight loss which is mainly water. Then the secondary stage is entered where carbohydrates are slowly reintroduced into the diet while still losing weight. The las stage is reached when you are within 5lbs of your target and this is called a maintenace stage which should be continued for the rest of your life.

I do not recommend this diet as it is not good for your overall well being because of the induced state of Ketosis.

The Diennet Food Diet is far more gentle on your system and gets you the better results, that is the weight you really want to be and stay that way.