Atkins Diet Facts
The Atkins diet was designed by Dr. Robert Atkins as a low-carb nutritional approach. It came to the public’s attention back in the early 70s and it has been promoted ever since as a major weight loss solution. Dr. Atkins’ metabolic theories and scientific studies laid the basis for the New Diet Revolution. To describe it in very brief lines, the Atkins diet is a restrictive weight loss approach that aims at reducing the blood sugar level by eliminating carbohydrates from the daily diet. The emphasis falls on unprocessed, whole foods, even if carbohydrates remain a no-n.
Contrary to other weight loss diets that recommend low glycemic carbohydrates like vegetables and black rice, the Atkins diet is strict with these too. The Atkins diet is supported by Atkins Nutritionals, a company that markets the foods allowed in the program. There are four phases corresponding to this approach: induction, ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and lifetime maintenance.
INDUCTION is the most restrictive phase of the entire Atkins diet and it lasts for two weeks. 20 net grams is the maximum daily carbohydrate intake that you are allowed during this period. They must come from cauliflower, pumpkin, spinach, asparagus, tomatoes and 54 other vegetables. Legumes like green beans are not allowed.
You can also eat fish, fowl, eggs, cheddar cheese, olive oil and butter. Correct hydration is also a must in the induction phase: drink no less than 8 glasses of water per day.
During the ONGOING WEIGHT LOSS phase of the Atkins diet, the carb intake will increase with 5 net grams per week. Dr. Atkins has created a carbohydrate ladder for this phase and you should carefully check it to adapt your meals to it.
PRE-MAINTENANCE brings 10 net grams per week, so that you reach the level up to which you do not put on weight.
LIFETIME MAINTENANCE carries on with the eating habits that you’ve acquired during the first phases of the Atkins diet. If you focus on unprocessed foods, health and fitness benefits remain permanent.
There is much debate over the risks and benefits of the Atkins diet, and it’s far from being over. Some program promoters emphasize high health risks, but these remain uncertain. Experts haven’t been able to come up with a clear conclusion concerning existing data. Carefully analyze the pros and cons as well as the specifics of the Atkins diet before taking it up.
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Tags: atkins, diet, health, weight loss
