How Does a Low Carb Diet Work | Atkins
how it works

The Atkins® Diet: How It Works

If you’re trying to figure out if a low carb diet is right for you, we’re here to help you every step of the way! Let’s break down how the diet works, the different plans you can choose from, and everything you need to make your decision.

How to Get Started

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1. Pick an Atkins Plan

Take the quiz to find which plan is the best fit for your goals.

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2. Learn what to eat and what to avoid

Get rid of high starch veggies and high sugar fruits, and stock up on fiber rich, nutrient dense foods.

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3. Plan out your first weeks of meals and snacks

Download an example meal plan to get you started.

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4. Track your progress

Use our free tools to set goals, log meals and track net carbs. Download the app or sign in online.

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How a Low Carb Diet Works

A low carb diet focuses on limited carbohydrates to help the body burn fat instead of sugar for fuel. This contributes to higher, consistent energy levels throughout the day, allowing you to reach weight loss and weight maintenance goals.

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Find the Right Plan

Not everyone’s body responds the same to every method, so we’ve broken out the Atkins diet into three easy-to-follow plans that fit your personal needs.

ATKINS 20®

Find out where to get started with our classic diet, which is right for you if you have more than 40 pounds to lose or are pre-diabetic or diabetic.

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This is the original Keto diet!

ATKINS 40®

If you have less than 40 pounds to lose, need a greater variety of foods right from the beginning, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, Atkins 40 is for you.

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avocado

A more flexible Keto diet.

ATKINS 100™

If you want to live a healthy lifestyle and maintain your current weight, want the widest variety of food choices, are breastfeeding with a goal to maintain weight* or are pregnant,* Atkins 100 is for you.

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Live a low carb lifestyle.

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Not Sure Where You Fit?

Choosing the right plan will depend on your weight loss goals, your current weight, and lifestyle. Learn more about the plans, or take a quiz to find out which one is right for you.

Recipes

Starting the Atkins Diet is easy when you have over 1,600 delicious and filling recipes to choose from! We’ve got you covered with fresh low carb inspiration for any time of day.

Inspiring Weight Loss Stories

Atkins is not only about your health, it’s about community. Get inspired and stay motivated with these incredible low carb weight loss stories.

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FAQs

Have more low carb questions? We’ve got the answers!

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Free Tools

Free Tools

Access meal plans, carb counters, discussion boards, and more.

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