The Atkins Diet

If you have ever struggled with a weight problem, then you have no doubt tried a number of weight loss strategies. When it comes to choosing a weight loss plan, there are too many to mention, such as fad diets, liquid diets, high protein-low carbohydrate diets, low fat diets, cleansing diets, cabbage soup diets, and green tea diets, in addition to an overwhelming selection of diet products like supplements, appetite suppressants, diet systems, diet clubs, etc.

In light of all these choices, a diet low in carbohydrates has proven to be the most popular and the most effective for losing and maintaining the weight loss. The Atkins diet is a well known low carb diet that many people have followed to successfully take off significant amounts of weight amidst a fair amount of controversy.

The Atkins Diet was developed by Dr. Robert C. Atkins in the 1960s and popularized in his book “Dr. Atkins’ Diet Revolution” in 1972. According to www.atkins.com and www.webmd.com, the Atkins Diet is based on the premise that people are overweight because they eat too many carbohydrates, therefore by drastically reducing carbohydrates in the diet and increasing protein and fat, we will naturally lose weight by burning stored body fat because not as many carbohydrates will be available.

Limits are not placed on the amounts of food eaten, but the kinds of food; no refined sugar, milk, white rice, white potatoes or pasta, or white flour are allowed, but pure proteins like red meat, fish, shellfish, fowl, and fats including regular cheeses, mayonnaise, olive oil, and butter are allowed.

During the first two weeks of the diet, carbohydrates are limited to 20 net grams per day, which is the total number of carb grams minus fiber grams. After the first two weeks, you can add fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains to your Atkins diet menu increasing your carbohydrates with fiber-rich foods. You don’t have to count calories either, and you may even eat more than you did before.

There are countless success stories and weight loss claims by people who used the Atkins diet to lose massive amounts of weight, but it may not be right for everyone. Nothing can replace good health, nutrition, and fitness, which should be combined with any diet plan. There is a fair amount of controversy surrounding the Atkins Diet.

The American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society among other prominent health entities have issued warnings in opposition to the diet, stating it is dangerous to follow for any length of time; and you must agree, it does seem very much like a dietitian’s nightmare, apples in favor of bacon and butter. If you have any health issues at all, consult a health professional before beginning Atkins Diet or any other weight loss program.