Atkins is back!

It was the weight-loss plan that promised an A-lister’s body – even if it left you with the breath of an Alsatian.

Jen, Renee, Geri and CZJ all swore by Atkins, claiming it helped them lose weight and keep them in tip-top shape, whilst allowing them to scoff double cheeseburgers (without the bun, of course.)

But after the high protein plan was deemed dangerous by medical experts, chowing down on vast amounts of fat and protein lost its appeal.

Now, five years on, the new and improved Atkins Advantage diet is back. The ultimate carb-fearing diet has been tweaked to offer the same weight-loss as the original plan – minus the health risks.

The basics
The selling point is the same, pushing dieters into a state of ketosis, whereby the body is starved of carbohydrates. With not enough carbs to convert into energy, the body has to utilise its fat stores – helping you shift kilos.

New diet
Whereas the original plan insisted dieters avoid all carbohydrates whilst tucking into as much high protein food, like red meat and cheese, as they wanted, the new Atkins Advantage allows dieters to enjoy lots of protein and – shock horror! – eat carbs too.

The rules
Portion control is paramount – so no 16oz steaks with blue cheese sauce for dinner. And unlimited protein is history – the new diet gives an 8oz daily limit on meat, distinguishes between good and bad fats and encourages fibrous veggies like broccoli and spinach with almost every meal. And you’re allowed to have healthy carbs, such as wholegrain pasta, wholemeal bread and brown rice.

The deal
The 12-week diet is split into four stages, gradually increasing carb intake. The two-week induction phase plunges dieters into a low-carb lifestyle, with fruit, most dairy, whole grains, flours and sugar all banned.

What you can eat
You can tuck into all fish, fowl, meat and eggs, salad and non-starchy veg, cheese, cream and butter, vegetable oils and sugar-free drinks like black tea, coffee and diet sodas. Next, up to 60g of net carbs are allowed – basically, a slice of bread with your salad, or a tablespoonful of rice with your chicken stir fry.

The promise
In addition to losing weight, faithful followers will cut their risk of disease, and become “healthier, slimmer and happier.”

Buy it: The All New Atkins Advantage by Stuart Trager and Colette Heimowitz, available at www.amazon.com, Dhs65

The Menu
Typical daily menu for the four stages.

Weeks one and two

Breakfast: Cheese and spinach omelette

Lunch: Chicken and mushroom soup

Dinner: Grilled tuna steak with artichoke hearts and lots of mixed greens

Weeks three to twelve

Breakfast: Oatmeal with cinnamon and cream, toasted almonds, herbal tea

Lunch: Chicken on sourdough bread with lettuce and mustard, carrot and celery sticks, peppermint tea

Dinner: White bean casserole, baked potato, mozzarella with tomatoes, spinach and olive oil, green tea.