What is the induction phase of the Atkins diet?

The induction phase of the Atkins Diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, moderate-fat diet. The Atkins Diet program lists specific low-carbohydrate foods that are allowed during the induction phase of the program. Dieters are not allowed to eat anything that is not on the approved food list.

While the induction phase of the Atkins Diet usually lasts for no more than two weeks, the Atkins Diet website does state that participants can add nuts and seeds to the approved list if the induction phase is followed for longer than two weeks. At the end of this phase, dieters move on to a phase that slowly reintroduces foods forbidden during the induction phase.