Atkins Diet Bulletin

Dr. Robert Atkins is the best-selling author of 'Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution', is the creator of the low carbohydrate diet craze that was re-introduced into the public consciousness 10 years ago. Dr. Robert Atkins low carbohydrate diet plan was originally created in the 70's and most of the people today have had great success in weight loss with his diet plan. Nearly 25 Million of Americans are estimated to be on a low-carbohydrate diet at any one time. Low carbohydrate products line the shelves of supermarkets as low-fat food products once did in the 80's and 90's.

Most of the people have a lot of physical trouble sticking to the Atkins diet and the long-term effects will not affect those participants. Diets very high in protein as designated in Atkins diet plan can lead to acidic urine that leaches calcium out of the body and leads to a higher risk for kidney stones and osteoporosis. High glucose cholesterol and electrolyte imbalances are problematic with the Atkins diet plan. In essence, the Atkins diet plan is all about low carbohydrates. The basis to this so-called revolutionary diet plan is grounded on two key concepts. The first is that, overweight or obesity is brought about by eating highly refined carbohydrates like flour, sugar, and high-fructose corn syrups. This actually translates to almost all carbohydrate-rich foods including starchy fruits and vegetables, leaving protein-rich and fatty foods as the only allowable food groups in the diet. Secondly the dangers of saturated fats of the food have been grossly misconstrued and overrated, despite the seemingly increasing evidence suggesting otherwise.

There are four phases of Atkins diet plan. The first or induction phase, ongoing weight loss phase, pre-maintenance, and lastly, the lifetime maintenance phase. The induction phase is the most restraining phase, where the intake of carbohydrates is limited to just 20 grams per day. Acceptable food components include salad greens, all meat, eggs, and butter. Water at plenty amount is a must. Caffeine and alcohol are a big no-no. The greatest weight loss process would naturally occur during this induction period.

Carbohydrate intake, later on, is increased by 5 grams per week but must still be at levels where weight loss occurs. The carbohydrates added to the daily diet per week should follow this 9 step ladder, induction accepted foods; dairy; berries; nuts, legumes; alcohol; other fruits; starchy vegetables; and finally, grains. This phase terminates when body weight is within 10 pounds of the target weight. Carbohydrate intake again is further increased to five more grams per week from the ladder rungs and continued until people find the maximum number of carbohydrates to eat without gaining body weight. This diet plan actually aims to force the body to burn stored fat instead of glucose by restricting the intake of carbohydrate to a bare minimum. The body system normally uses carbohydrates as its primary source of energy because it is easiest to digest and metabolize and be made available to the body. However, with protein and fats, these take longer to digest, therefore leading to lengthier satiety.

• Felicia Byrnes
• 06/01/2009, 2:59 AM
• 0 Comments