The Program: Phase 3

Trouble Shooting in Pre-Maintenance

Pre-Maintenance gives you more freedom and more control as you get ever closer to your goal.

Ready? Here we go:

Net Carbohydrates during this phase: Each week, increase daily Net Carbs by 10 grams

Let’s say you ended Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL) at 45 Net Carbs a day. Well, congratulations, you get to start Pre-Maintenance at 55. Then, next week, increase to 65 – as long as you’re still losing weight, that is. If you stall, drop back 10 grams of Net Carbs. (Link to net carbs.doc)

Finding your Atkins Carbohydrate Equilibrium (ACE)

The ultimate goal of Atkins is to find the maximum number of Net Carbs you can eat without gaining or losing weight. This very personal number is called your personal carb balance or
ACE – or Atkins Carbohydrate Equilibrium. You will find your ACE as you add Net Carbs back into your diet. Ideally, you want to reach your ACE level when you’re at your goal weight. So, adjust your carbs as needed to keep losing. Want to know more about your ACE?

What you’ll eat during this phase

You’re still eating plenty of lean protein – chicken, turkey, lean beef, fish, shellfish, lamb, pork, veal, eggs and a variety of vegetable proteins.

You can continue to add more variety in terms of carbohydrates – delicious fruits like apples, peaches, strawberries and bananas. Add whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal and whole grain, high fiber cereals.


Check the – Acceptable Foods List for Phase 3 for all your healthy choices.

Okay, celebrate

Once you’ve been at your goal weight for a month, you’ve made it. And boy, do you deserve it. You’re ready for our version of graduation – Lifetime Maintenance.

Let’s go plan the menu.