The first phase of the Atkins diet, induction, is the most difficult for most dieters. The Dr. Atkins diet throws your metabolism into ketosis. It allows 20 grams of carbohydrates a day (about 3 cups of salad and vegetables) and liberal amounts of protein and fats/oils (including fish, foul, meat, eggs, olive and other healthy oils and butter.). During Ongoing Weight Loss, carbohydrate consumption can be liberalized slightly (normally after two weeks of Induction) and is followed for as many weeks or months as it takes to get close to the individual’s weight loss goal.

Carbohydrate intake is increased based on the individual’s response to Induction, as well as age, weight, gender and activity level (normally 5 additional grams of carbohydrates per week). Throughout Pre-Maintenance and Lifetime Maintenance, followers of Dr Atkins diet will continue to increase their intake of carbohydrates in the form of whole, nutrient-dense foods including low-glycemic fruits, whole grains and vegetables.

Dr Atkins diet has been around since the 1970s, via his bestselling Atkins diet book: Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution. The Atkins diet book has undergone several rewrites and many reprintings, and is known worldwide. Atkins diet books, in all variations, hardcover and paperback, continue to sell well, with sales increasing after his death. Like other long-term weight loss "gurus" such as Richard Simmons, Atkins diet books are a staple bestseller for most bookstores.

Dieters like the Atkins low-carb program because it does produce significant weight loss in a short time period, contrary to many other programs that produce 2 lbs. Lost per week. They also like it because they can eat some of their favorite high fat foods that taste good (steaks, cheeseburgers, bacon, eggs, cheese, etc.). However, it is very difficult for many to maintain this plan over the long term, after a lifetime of eating things like potatoes, bread, muffins, and pasta. You can’t change those cravings overnight. And, dieters do tire of eating the same things every day. Also, some people complain that it’s hard to find Atkins items in stores. The retailers with the widest selections are usually health food stores, rather than supermarkets. Since there usually are lots of health food stores and vitamin shops around, this does not pose much of a problem.

Another big drawback is the potentially sky-high cost, if you start buying a lot of Atkins’ special formulated products. Perhaps we should call this the "affluent" diet. Many of the items are 3-4 times the cost of regular, high-carb products ($5.99 for a pack of bagels, $12.99 for a beef teriyaki entrée, etc.). If you get the Atkins food delivered to your door every day, it can cost $1,000+ per month!

So far, medical experts have not proven anything bad about the program. Time is the true test.