Created by massively influential Dr. Robert Atkins, the low-carb craze started over three decades ago. Although the low-carb approach has been hit relatively hard in the media over the last couple of years, there are still numerous advocates who swear by the eating approach founded by Dr. Atkins.

Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution unveiled a diet that would change the way people looked at dieting forever after it was released in 1972. The diet consists of a four-phase approach -- Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss, Pre-Maintenance, Maintenance -- which asks for a large decrease in carbohydrates and an increase in foods that are high in protein.

The carbohydrates are broken into two categories: favorable and non-favorable.  The amount of carbs consumed is cut drastically after someone starts this diet. Gradually, though, favorable carbs are added back into the diet as progress is made through every stage.
 
After excess carbs are eliminated, the body is sent into a fat-burning metabolic state known as ketosis. As opposed to other weight-loss plans that draw largely on deprivation and calorie-cutting, this method allows dieters to consume bacon, butter, steak, eggs, cream and other flavor-rich foods. White bread, pasta, cakes, chips, rice, cakes, and cookies are foods that people on the diet must stay away from.

Dr. Atkins' books and website provide a list of "acceptable" foods. These foods include of salmon, chicken, oysters, bacon, pork, tuna, trout, chicken, turkey, duck, goose, shrimp, crabmeat, beef, pork, lamb, ham and eggs. The eggs can be made scrambled, poached, fried, deviled or in omelets. Other foods that are alright are mushrooms, celery, chives, spinach, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, alfalfa sprouts, endive, lettuce, cucumber, asparagus, scallions, broccoli, and a bunch of other foods which are not high in carbohydrates.