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