Induction is the first stage of the plan. It lasts 14 days (or more. ) Atkins says that you can lose up to 15 pounds during this stage. This rapid weight loss is due to limiting your carbohydrates to 20 grams a day. The only carbohydrates you can have are low-carbohydrate vegetables like lettuce, broccoli and tomatoes. You are limited to three cups per day. Forget about yogurt, fruit and starchy vegetables like potatoes. You are not permitted to drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine. The purpose of induction is to induce a change in your body chemistry that leads to lipolysis (burning fat for energy) and a secondary process known as ketosis. According to Dr. Atkins, induction can bring about the following changes in your body chemistry and functions: Stabilization of your blood sugar. Curbing of various health symptoms originating from unstable blood sugar, such as fatigue. Breaking food addictions. Curbing your cravings. Significant weight loss. Meal Restrictions During Induction In order to bring the onset and maintenance of induction, you have to follow a strict diet working around an “allowed” list that includes a variety of foods. But you can create a variety of food menu from the list of allowable foods in the program. Foods that can be consumed liberally during the induction phase includes fish, chicken, shellfish, meat, and eggs. You can also take limited amount of some cheeses. Carbohydrate is limited to 20 grams of carbohydrate a day. You can eat two to three . . .

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