Atkins diet information

The Atkins diet was devised by Dr Robert C Atkins. Dr Atkins was a pioneer of the high protein/ low carbohydrate diets that are so popular today. Dr Atkins published his book 'Diet Revolution' in 1972 and it was an immediate bestseller. The theory of a low carb diet had been around for some time when William Banting devised the in the late 19th century. It was Dr Atkins that popularized the theory that you can eat all the proteins you want and lose weight as long as you eat no carbohydrates. Over the years Dr Atkins modified his position and the diet now allows non-starchy vegetables and some unrefined fruits and grains. The Atkins diet does not allow sugar, simple carbohydrates or refined grains and starches wherever possible.

The Dr Atkins programme is a high protein diet in the purest sense and allows almost no carbohydrates at the start of the diet. The diet works by inducing a state of ketosis in the body and you may eat as much food as you like while in this state. Ketosis is when the body believes it is starving and is deprived of carbohydrates to burn so it burns fat instead. There is some dispute whether or not ketosis is damaging to the body (especially the liver), there is also debate as to whether the body burns lean muscle mass for fuel not just fat. You can check if you are in the state of ketosis by checking your urine for the presence of ketones with a urine test stick (available from the chemist)

The first two weeks there is an induction phase which is like the original 'diet revolution' where carbohydrates are very restricted. There should be a large initial weight loss that will be mainly water. After the first induction phase there is a transition or ongoing weight loss stage this involves slowly increasing the amount of carbohydrates in your diet until your body comes out of the state of ketosis. This can be seen by testing your urine or when you start to gain weight. When you are within 5lbs of your target weight you enter the last stage of the diet, which is 'maintenance', and it is for life long eating.

Atkins Diet : Reasons for

• It actually works
• Is safe if you keep some carbohydrates in your diet
• Can lots of protein and fat as you want and still lose weight
• Some studies have shown that cholestrol levels improve when following this diet

Atkins Diet : Reasons against

• It has a high drop out rate for the induction phase
• Bad breath is a side effect of this diet
• Careful choices of food are needed in the induction stage to get your recomended intake of vitamins and minerals
  

Atkins Diet : Verdict

The Atkins diet is an effective diet and is very good for weight loss especially in the short term and is based on proven results. To succeed on this diet you must enjoy eggs meat and high Protein foods and be prepared for a life without some foods. The atkins diet does not promote balanced eating but if followed correctly it is healthy.

It is important that you have 8 glasses of water with this diet to flush the ketones from your body it also avoids having bad breath.

For a list of what you can eat on this diet at Atkins Diet Food List,
You can have a look at the Dr Atkins Diet Book here. You can discuss this further in the Atkins Diet Forum.

If you would like more information you can visit the official Atkins Diet website