What’s Your Low Carb Style?
You’re a few months into the new year, which means it is a great time to check in and see how your low carb lifestyle is working for you.[1]
Start by taking another look at your dietary restrictions, health conditions, overall goals, cooking and eating style and what has worked or hasn’t worked in the past. With Atkins’ keto and low carb diets, you can easily move between Atkins 20Ò, 40Ò and 100Ô based on your goals, which may have changed over time.
Find Your Low Carb Style with This Quiz
Maybe what you’re doing is working just right or perhaps it’s time to tweak things a little. You can take this quick quiz to further fine-tune what Atkins plan might work best for you:
Are you curious about what a low-carb lifestyle is all about and would like to make small changes to the way you eat?
If yes, Atkins 100 can be a great place to start.
Do you want to maintain your weight while gradually cutting back on your carbs and sugar?
If yes, Atkins 100 can be a great place to start.
Do you exercise regularly and want to maintain your weight?
If yes, Atkins 100 can be a great place to start.
Do you have less than 15 pounds to lose?
If yes, Atkins 40 or even Atkins 100 can be a great place to start, especially if you’re younger and active.
Do you have 15 to 30 pounds to lose?
If yes, consider starting with Atkins 20. Atkins 40 can also be a great option if you’d prefer to eat a wider variety of food while losing weight at a slower pace.
Do you have more than 30 pounds to lose?
If yes, consider starting with two weeks of Atkins 20 to get your fat-burning metabolism into gear.
Do you lead a more sedentary than active lifestyle?
If yes, consider starting with Atkins 20 unless you have less than 15 pounds to lose, in which case Atkins 40 could be a more suitable place to start.
Have you gained and lost and regained weight over the years, i.e., through yo-yo dieting?
If yes, you may want to consider starting with either Atkins 20 or Atkins 100. Yo-yo dieting can lead to weight loss resistance. Atkins 20 can help you to jump-start your new weight loss journey and discover a new way of eating. Atkins 100 can help to ease into the low-carb approach to eating, budgeting 25 grams of Net Carbs for each meal and 25 grams of Net Carbs for snacks each day.
Are you over age 50?
If yes, keep in mind that unfortunately, our metabolism usually slows down over time. Depending on your weight loss goals, Atkins 20 or 40 may be a great place to start for the first few weeks, and if the pounds start coming off easily, you can gradually level up to a higher carb intake.
Are you breastfeeding and want to maintain your weight, or are you pregnant?
If yes, Atkins 100 may be a suitable plan for you.
Are you breastfeeding and trying to lose weight?
If yes, you may want to consider starting with Atkins 40, which gives you a variety of food choices, along with gradual weight loss.
The different levels of Net Carb consumption on Atkins can be truly personalized to your goals. If necessary, you can level up (or down) between Atkins 20, 40 and 100.
What’s Your Eating and Cooking Style?
Once you’ve figured out which Atkins plan is best for you right now, take a good look at your eating and cooking style, whether you’re comfortable in the kitchen or to-go food is your go-to, you can what category you fall into and find a way of eating and cooking that works for you:
By the (Cook) Book
Structure is key for you. You’re happy relying on a few easy low carb breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack recipes, plus Atkins products to help you stay on the low carb track. Build your shopping list off the Acceptable Foods List for your Atkins plan, and make it even easier by following the Standard Meal Plan.
Willing to Wing It
Variety is the spice of life for you and cooking is your passion. You consider yourself a culinary master, and you are confident giving low carb recipes your own special twist. You can look at the Atkins 20 and Atkins 40 Foodie Meal Plan for inspiration, while exploring Atkins’ crave-worthy low carb recipes for more ideas.
Best of Both Worlds
Your weeks consist of a solid routine of tried-and-true low carb breakfasts, lunches and dinners, but weekends are a time for experimentation and having fun with different flavors and cooking techniques. Let the Acceptable Foods List and meal plans be your guide during the week and spice it up with new and exciting low carb recipes on the weekend.
And let’s face it: Everyone needs a break from the kitchen at some point. If you want to order in or eat out, check out our Low Carb and Keto-Friendly Guide to Eating Out.
Stuck in a Rut?
If you feel your weight loss progress has stalled, find out if you’ve hit a true plateau [ML1] and learn some valuable tips to start progressing again!
[1] Always consult a physician before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine. Nothing contained in this article is intended to be medical advice.
[ML1]Note that this links to a page with multiple “plateau” related articles, not a single article discussing a “true plateau”
