| The Atkins Diet, created by Dr. Robert | | | | multivitamin supplement is highly recommended |
| Atkins, is based on the theory that consuming | | | | during this initial phase. |
| too much carbohydrates, especially the | | | | |
| refined carbs as those found in white bread, | | | | In the following phases the intake of |
| sugar and high-fructose corn syrups, is | | | | carbohydrates is then gradually increased (up |
| responsible for the high incidence of | | | | to a reasonable amount, though still far |
| obesity-causing metabolic disorders amongst | | | | lesser than the average carbohydrate |
| the Western population - and lifestyles based | | | | consumption), but sooner or later the body |
| on too little physical activity only adding | | | | gets have used to a low-carbs diet. |
| to the problem of obesity and diabetes. | | | | |
| | | | Foods Recommended in Atkins Diet |
| The other unique feature of Atkins Diet is | | | | |
| that saturated fats are not considered the | | | | 1. High-protein foods such as meat, fish and |
| main nutritional culprits - it is the | | | | eggs are a must. However, they must not be |
| trans-fats found in hydrogenated oils that | | | | breaded, nor should they be consumed along |
| need to be shunned along with carbohydrates. | | | | with sauces, which are high in carbohydrates. |
| Thus, Atkins Diet is one that is drastically | | | | |
| restricted in carbohydrates and is relatively | | | | 2. Low-carb vegetables/fruits are fine too. |
| rich in proteins and saturated fats. | | | | Some examples of such vegetables are spinach, |
| | | | herbs, celery, radish, sprouts, broccoli, |
| Dr. Robert Atkins formulated the Atkins's | | | | asparagus, cauliflower and Avocado. For a |
| Diet sometime in the sixties. The inspiration | | | | comprehensive list of low-carb veggies |
| was an article featured in the Journal of the | | | | fruits, you can always run a check on the |
| American Medical Association. Dr. Atkins | | | | Internet. |
| adapted these ideas to formulate a diet and | | | | |
| tried it on himself, and the results were | | | | 3. Cheese - all kinds of cheese can make a |
| startling. He treated thousands of overweight | | | | part of Atkins Diet. Butter is good too, but |
| patients and expounded his diet in a series | | | | you shouldn't go overboard. |
| of books. The rest is history. | | | | |
| | | | 4. Olive oil is the preferred choice amongst |
| The logic behind Atkins's Diet is quite | | | | cooking oils. Trans-fats have to be strictly |
| simple: your body fulfills a major part of | | | | avoided. But nuts are great. |
| its energy requirements by burning carbs as | | | | |
| fuel. And so, if you deprive it of carbs by | | | | 5. As far as drinks go, Atkins Diet |
| substituting them with proteins and fats in | | | | recommends 8 glasses of water a day. Drinks |
| your diet, the body would run out of fuel | | | | with sugar content are a big no-no - and that |
| and, therefore, be forced into fat-burning | | | | includes sugared tea and coffee. Diet sodas |
| mode (ketosis). | | | | are okay though. |
| | | | |
| All the energy requirements of the body would | | | | 6. Psyllium comes highly recommended, as it |
| then be met with by burning the stored body | | | | is rich in fiber. |
| fat, leading to rapid fat loss and weight | | | | |
| loss. When the body is in the state of | | | | 7. Sugar is out, while sugar substitutes are |
| ketosis, one also tends to feel less hungry | | | | okay - but must be taken in limited amounts. |
| and so consumes less calories than what one | | | | |
| would normally do. | | | | Many people follow the Atkins Diet and many |
| | | | results that have been published in esteemed |
| There are four phases in Atkins Diet: (1) | | | | review journals have spoken in favor of this |
| Induction, (2) Ongoing weight loss, (3) | | | | diet, as they haven't observed any serious |
| Pre-maintenance and (4) Lifetime maintenance. | | | | side effects. But some controversies and |
| | | | questions still remain, e.g., whether it |
| The Induction phase is the most restrictive | | | | would be suitable for people having kidney |
| phase, with the allowed intake of | | | | problems. So, before latching on to Atkins |
| carbohydrates being restricted to a meager 20 | | | | Diet diet, it is best to consult your doctor |
| net grams/day. This is required in order to | | | | first. |
| push the body into a state of ketosis. A | | | | |