Atkins diet information

The Atkins Diet is the most well known of the low-carbohydrate diets. The diet was created in the 70s by Dr Robert C. Atkins more information can be found in the book 'Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution' which is a reworking of the 70's original. To follow the diet you cut out most of your carbohydrate intake but you can eat as much fat and proteins as you want while still losing weight.

When you first start the Adkins diet almost all carbohydrates are eliminated from the diet this induces a state called ketosis where the body is tricked into thinking it is starving. Due to the low amount of carbohydrates in the Atkins diet the body burns glycogen instead of its preferred source of energy glucose (The breakdown product of carbohydrates). The body stores three times as water as glycogen so as it is burnt during the induction phase there is a large initial loss of water and therefore weight. This large initial weight loss is a main reason for the Atkins diets popularity. However many doctors say that ketosis is bad because it puts a strain on your kidneys and in prolonged ketosis muscle tissue is broken down. The initial water weight loss is put back on very quickly if you stop the diet

After the couple of weeks on the Atkins Diet, you slowly reintroduce carbohydrates into your diet until you stop losing weight this gives you your maximum carbohydrate limit and you must stay under it in order to carry on with weight loss.

Atkins Diet : Reasons for

• It actually works
• There is a large initial weight loss
• Can eat as much protein and fat as you want

Atkins Diet : Reasons against

• The initial loss of water returns very quickly
• Has a high drop out rate for the induction phase
• Carbohydrates are very low in this diet..
• Ketosis strains the liver
• Constipation can be experienced due to lack of fibre
• High cholesterol in the diet
• Associated with heart disease. High in
  saturated fat
• Cancer fighting substances founds in fruits and vegetables are low in this diet

Atkins Diet : Verdict

Not a long term viable diet, as it doesn't promote healthy eating and cuts out a proportion of foods and has unhealthy side effects. It does however work (which most don't) and is quite simple to follow which will always ensure a legion of devotees.

Note: If you find yourself feeling weak, you may not be getting enough carbohydrates. Try adding a little more to see if it helps.
When following this diet it is very important to drink no less than eight glasses of water

For a list of what you can eat on this diet go to Atkins Diet list. If you would like to read more about this diet click here to see the books.

If you would like to discuss this diet further you can discuss this diet in our Atkins Diet Forum.