Cardiologist Robert Atkins developed the low-carb, high-protein Atkins diet in the 1970s. Followers are instructed to limit their consumption of carbohydrates to less than 5% of their total daily caloric intake—less than 100 calories (25 grams) of carbohydrates for someone following a 2,000-calorie diet. People following the Atkins diet are also instructed to eat as much protein and fat as they want, drink plenty of fluids, supplement with vitamins and minerals, and incorporate regular exercise.