The Atkins Diet, also known as the Atkins Nutritional Approach is the original low-carbohydrate lifestyle. Learn what Atkins is—and what it isnt—what carbs are, and where to find them. Learn how to distinguish between good carbs and bad carbs. Atkins is not just a weight-loss diet but also a sustainable lifestyle that allows you to maintain a healthy weight once you have achieved it. It is comprised of four phases: Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL), Pre-Maintenance, and Lifetime Maintenance.