What is the induction phase of the Dr. Atkins diet?

Known as induction, the first phase of the Atkins diet requires participants to cut their daily net carbohydrate intake to an average of 20 grams. The purpose of the induction phase is to kick-start the participant's weight loss by forcing the body to begin burning fat rather than carbohydrates.

There is a common misconception that the first phase is the entire Atkins diet, but in reality it is the key to kick starting the participant's fat burning metabolism.

The first phase of the Atkins diet should last a minimum of two weeks, but dieters can choose to continue using the parameters for the first phase if they prefer to lose weight quickly. Dieters can remain in the first phase of the diet until they are within 15 pounds of their goal weights.