Atkins Diet

Dr. Robert Atkins first wrote about the Atkins diet in the 1970s, in his book The New Diet Revolution. Over recent years, the Atkins diet plan has become one of the most popular diet plans - with Time Magazine naming it “The most popular diet program”.

Food manufacturers quickly formulated low-carb food products, but during 2004 the diet rapidly fell out of favor. However it will always remain a very useful diet for many people.

Atkins Diet Background

Atkins has four phases - all with a carefully controlled level of carbohydrate intake.

Phase 1

The restrictive induction phases lasts for a minimum of two weeks and calls for a maximum of 20 grams of carbohydate intake (no starchy vegetables, fruits, grains, bread).

Weight loss on the Atkins diet is based on the process of Ketosis:

First, the main source of energy for our bodies is carbohydrates. When we have fewer carbs in our body, it must look elsewhere for another source of energy. Next in line is stored body fat. So reducing carbs forces the body to burn fat. This process is called Ketosis. Secondly, carbs stimulate the creation of insulin. Insulin is what converts excess carbs to fat. So when you have less carbs you have less insulin and therefore create less new fat.

Phase 2

The Ongoing Weight Loss phase involves adding more fibrous vegetables (carbohydrates) until the “Critical Carbohydrate Level for Losing” is reached. The small increases in carbohydrates are carefully managed on a week-by-week basis.

Phase 3 and 4

These phases are maintenance phases - where carbohydrate intake can be increased - but only until the point that weight is maintained (Critical Carbohydrate Level for Maintenance). Any food that may lead to weight gain should be avoided.

Atkins recommends choosing unrefined or unprocessed carbohydrates.

Criticisms

One of the most controversial issues with Atkins is that it is high-fat diet. Most government health agencies recommend no more than 30% fat in our diet - yet with Atkins you can easily consume more fat than this.

In addition to this, one must question how healthy the process of Ketosis is. In the short term it may have the desired effect - but in the long term? Some suggest that certain organs may be overworked to sustain the process of Ketosis.

If you are thinking of beginning this diet, we strongly encourage you to research and read as much as possible before beginning the diet and consult with your health professional.

Successes

Atkins has been very successful for many people and has resulted in not only significant weight loss - but also health improvement.

Many people do find the diet demanding at first - and need to make significant behavior modification to get the best out of Atkins.

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