The Atkins Diet

Introduction

The history of The Atkins Diet goes back to the Dr. Atkins' theory that over-consumption of and hypersensitivity to carbohydrates is the root of our problem with being overweight. The principle he based his plan on says that it is the way your body processes the carbohydrates you eat -- not how much fat you eat -- that causes you to gain weight. While most diet experts say that not everyone who has a weight problem is insulin resistant, Atkins says it is more likely than not.

It's working

By reducing one's intake of carbohydrates to less than 50 grams a day, one will enter a metabolic process called ketosis, which is nothing but a state in which one's body will start burning the fat to provide energy. Atkins also says that ketosis will affect insulin production which will prevent more fat from being formed.

The Phases

The Atkins Diet comprises of the 4 stages: induction, ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and maintenance.

Induction is executed in the first fortnight of the plan, during which according to Atkins you can lose up to 15 pounds. This rapid weight loss is due to ceasing the intake of carbs to just 20 grams a day. You are limited to three cups per day. Forget about fruit and starchy vegetables like potatoes. If you consume alcoholic beverages or coffee, you better bid "sayonara" to those as well.

During ongoing weight loss, you can increase your carb intake by 5 grams. You will eventually reach a high and the again have to curb off the carb again.

In pre-maintenance, weight loss will happen gradually and you will be able to test certain foods to see if they could be added in your diet without resulting in weight gain.

Then the maintenance stage is there, when you may introduce some more carbs into your diet? of course not by adding the bad ones, as they will be resulting in the bringing back the weight again.

Facts

The Atkins Diet recommends exercise. Any diet that doesn't include exercise in its recommendations will probably not be as effective and does not encourage health lifestyle change.

Person suffering from gout, kidney conditions, type I diabetes or pregnant women should not follow Atkins. According to some health experts, ketosis results in too-rapid, and unusual levels of weight loss and that the loss consists of lean body mass and water. Regardless of whichever diet you persist on, be it be Atkins or Weight Watchers, diet experts agree that it is calorie reduction that results in weight loss. After you lose weight, you can't just revert back to your original ways of eating crabs.

Theme

Remember, one should never start a diet without prior consultation to the doctor. This is pretty much essential with a diet like Atkins because it is so inflexible and is most likely a noteworthy change from your normal eating habits. Additionally, some researches have indicated that this type of diet may endanger the kidneys, result in sunstroke, or lead to other health problems.

Before giving ATKINs a try, ask yourself: Are you committed to limiting your carbs for good? If not, then this plan probably isn't for you, because even as Atkins himself states, returning to your previous eating habits will bring the weight back.

If you find that Atkins is not for you, you may be averse to the type of foods you are eating. That's fine -- some people simply can't tolerate eating a certain type of foods, and others feel deprived if their favorites are eliminated. If you don't feel happy and satisfied with a particular plan, it's time to find an alternative.

Chris Read, editor of Hateweight.com, is a contributing author to the Hateweight.com for distinct article sites/journals. For any weight loss related issue please feel free to visit the website hateweight.com for more information. Or write to him at editor@hateweight.com

---

Ephedra Is Back - But Is It Safe?

It's been called the world's oldest medicine, the miracle fat... Read More

Finding the RIGHT Diet Pill

Hundreds of products on the market today claim to be... Read More

Maintaining Your Weight Loss Momentum Away On Vacation

Going away for your holidays will also bring with it... Read More

Losing Weight - Stop Focusing on the Carrots!

What do I mean by that?Well, carrots are good for... Read More

Four Steps to Hunger Control

Axiom Number Two: Hunger ControlTrying to lose weight without understanding... Read More

Changing Our Eating Behaviour

Changing our eating behaviour is one of the critical lifestyle... Read More

Serious Dieting Tips, Humorous Explanations

A few months ago, I set out to lose 22.6... Read More

Are you Making these Weight Loss Mistakes?

There are all kinds of fad diets and quick fixes... Read More

How Dance Dance Revolution is Getting Kids Off the Couch

Are you concerned about the lack of exercise your child... Read More

Find the Right New Year?s Resolution to Get into Your Best Shape Ever!

Yep, it is that time of year again! Time to... Read More

Youll Need Total Will Power To Undergo Weight Loss

How much will power does it take in order to... Read More

Ultimate Weight Loss: Ephedra is Back?

I had some questions come in about Ephedra. So I... Read More

EFT for Weight Loss - How to Stop Eating from Fear of Not Getting Your Share

Do You Sometimes Eat Because You're Afraid You'll "Miss Out"... Read More

If Youre Eating High Protein Be Informed about Mad Cow

Finding Mad Cow in Oregon puts a new wrinkle in... Read More

Weight Loss Proteins -- The Casein & Whey Protein Debate

The weight loss protein debate centers around the effectiveness of... Read More

Your Weight Loss Problem: How To Cure It By Watching Movies Or Reading Books!

I don't know anything about you but if you're anything... Read More

The Most Effective Fat Burning And Muscle Building Workout That Takes Just 13 Minutes

Most people who want to burn off some excess pounds... Read More

Acupuncture Weight Loss -- Does it Work?

Acupuncture for weight loss is a modern application of this... Read More

Eat Out and Lose Weight -- 25 Easy & Healthy Tips for Dining Out

Diners have become more health-conscious the last few years, and... Read More

How Do I Begin A Fat Loss Plan?... Let Me Count The Ways!

Most people are unsure about how to begin a fat... Read More

Top 10 Diet Tips From Diet Winners

Use these tips to turbo charge your weight loss program.Take... Read More

Dieting? The Real Secret

Your Non-Conscious Mind is 98% of your full power.Your Inner... Read More

Saboteurs to Your Weight Loss Plans

Saboteurs are people and thoughts that are going to sabotage... Read More

Calorie Burn? Know The Optimum Walking Speed For Greatest Results

Calorie burn can be really enhanced if you follow a... Read More

How Slimming Down Can Add More Cash in Your Wallets

Are you unhappy with your current weight but aren't "motivated"... Read More

Diet Tips ? Common Sense Rules

We, as a society, are always trying to lose weight.... Read More

Combating Obesity

So you ask, "How do I determine if I am... Read More

Secrets of Gastric Bypass Surgery: Lose Weight Without Surgery

There's more to gastric bypass than surgery and rapid massive... Read More

Eating Sensibly, Working Out and Still Not Achieving Your Goals?

Are you working hard in the gym 3 times a... Read More

The No Diet Way to Lose Weight and Keep it off!

Yes, you read it right?no diets!The first step in this... Read More

Four Common Mistakes that Overweight People Make

I am a Registered Dietitian who has spent over 10,000... Read More

Best Fad Diets

What are the best fad diets? It's a question I'm... Read More

3 Steps Gastric Bypass Patients Can Take to Avoid Calcium Deficiency

Most Americans do not get enough calcium in their diets;... Read More