Starting the Atkins diet can be tough, especially when it comes to changing your entire lifestyle as you know it when it comes to eating. There are four phases of the Atkins diet, each of them with their own challenges and rewards. Luckily, you don’t have to cut out carbs all at once, but instead you can work your way into the expected range for the Atkins diet. The first step in the diet is to learn how to lower your carb intake. That's followed by a series of methods designed to help stabilize and maintain your blood sugar, get your body to start burning fat, and learning how to maintain your new, hopefully healthier, lifestyle. Following these tips should help make the journey a little easier.
Don’t Expect Results Overnight
Chances are you will go through some withdrawals from sugars and carbohydrates during the first couple of weeks of the program. You may also find yourself wanting to give up when you don’t see the numbers on the scale fall as fast as you’d like them to. Just remind yourself that this is a lifelong change, and that if you expect the changes to last, you shouldn’t expect them to happen too fast. A nice, slow but steady progression is the healthiest way to lose the weight and keep it off for good. Give yourself a month and then look for changes in the way your clothes fit, not just the number on the scale.
Drink Plenty of Water
To ensure that you do see results and to keep yourself in tip top shape, you should aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. This will help to keep your system flushed out, reducing toxins and other things like sodium that can cause water retention. In addition, water helps to keep your metabolism active, so the more you drink the better.
Just because a product claims to be low in carbohydrates doesn’t mean that it is low enough to fit into your diet plan. You have to make sure that you understand the labels of all products you plan to consume, paying close attention to carbs and sugars found in the products. Your best bet is to make as many foods as you can from scratch, using fresh fruits and vegetables for at least half of your meal.
Your body does need carbohydrates to function properly, so it is not wise to limit your intake to a dangerous level by skipping meals or straying from your meal plan. Make sure that you stay on track to ensure a proper balance of nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins. If you feel weak or nauseous, it is possible you haven’t eaten enough carbs, so try upping your intake and seeing if it helps. If not, consult your physician to make sure that your meal plan is working for you.