For whom exactly is this Atkins diet?
This Atkins diet is for everyone who wants to reduce their intake of sugars (carbohydrates), and therefore want to lose weight. It excludes carbohydrates from the diet and allows them to be reintroduced gradually.

The Basics of the Atkins Diet:
This diet comes from the New York nutritionist, Dr. Atkins , who starts from a finding: the majority of overweight people have problems with carbohydrate assimilation, the result of an imbalance of metabolism. More recently called "Low-Carb" diet, Dr. Atkins diet is based on four stages. A first phase of integration that lasts two weeks, during which, consumption of sugars is reduced to 20 grams per day. More fatty carbohydrates such as starchy foods, pulses, fruits, sweets and treats, and alcohol are proscribed. On the other hand, it is allowed to consume at will, foods rich in proteins and lipids, such as lean meats, fish, eggs and dairy products without sugars ... The following three phases i introduce carbohydrates gradually into the diet. She must still stay below what Dr. Atkins calls the " critical level of carbohydrate " for weight loss or stabilization. It is estimated at about 100 / 150gr per day depending on its metabolism.

The plus of the Atkins diet:
- This diet is relatively easy to follow, and can be followed at home or at the restaurant;
- significant weight loss (short duration);
- No feelings of hunger.

The least of the Atkins diet:
- In the long term, this diet is not recommended because the relatively high fat content can lead to cardiovascular diseases;
- Risks of constipation, because this diet very poor in fruits and vegetables, so lack of fiber, essential for the regulation of intestinal functions;
- This diet often requires the taking of multi vitamin supplements.

Warning :
- Dr. Atkins advocates, for people starting this diet, to establish frequent urinary tests to check his tolerance threshold of carbohydrate, especially during the reintroduction phase;
- No study has yet proven the safety of this diet in the long term.

I want to know more about the Atkins diet:
Atkins diet revolution, by Robert C. Atkins.
"Atkins New Diet", by Robert C. Atkins.
"The sugar-free diet", by Dr. G. Charpentier, C.Lucas, B.Lafuente, ed Hachette.