The Atkins Nutritional Approach counts grams of carbohydrates instead of calories. In Phase 1, you are allowed 20 grams of Net Carbs. When you progress to Phase 2, you gradually add carbohydrates in 5-gram increments as you move toward Phase 3, and finally, in 10-gram increments as you approach Phase 4 the Lifetime Maintenance phase. On the Atkins Nutritional Approach we don’t make you count calories. However for weight loss purposes we suggest you shoot for a healthy range. For women that range is approximately 1500 to 1800 calories. For men that range is approximately 1800 to 2200 calories per day. Be sure to limit empty calories and follow the acceptable foods list for whichever phase you are currently in.
Research has shown that on a controlled carbohydrate program, more calories are burned than on a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet, so there is a certain metabolic advantage to the controlled carb approach. But understand that this does not give you a license to gorge.
The real goal of the Atkins program is to learn eating habits that will enable you to permanently maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. This includes changing old habits such as overeating that contributed to your original weight problem.