[header] How to prepare for the atkins diet [title] Talk to your doctor about the risks of the diet. [step] Starting the atkins diet means cutting out most carbs and shifting to high fat, high protein foods. In some cases, this may lead to long-term effects such as heart disease and colon cancer. 
Talk to your doctor before starting the diet to see if you are at a high risk for these conditions. [substeps] Your doctor will evaluate the current state of your health to see if a major diet change is right for you.