Atkins Diet
The low carb classic!
BACKGROUND
MMore than 30 years ago, Dr. Robert Atkins introduced his low-carb diet, now popularly known as the Atkins Diet. While this low-carb phenomenon has had critics over the years, there are still proponents who live by Dr. Atkins' dietary plan. Carbohydrates, Dr. Atkins says, belong in two categories: favorable and non-favorable. When you first begin the Atkins diet, you will cut your carbohydrates drastically and as you move through the four phases, gradually re-introduce favorable carbs. The Atkins Diet boasts that you'll be able to continue enjoying foods that most weight-loss methods reject. You'll start the Atkins Diet in the Induction phase, which is primarily intended for initial weight loss and removal of extraneous carbs. You'll only be allowed 20 grams of net carbs which come from non-starchy vegetables and salads. This phase can last 14 days, although some prefer to extend it to hurry weight loss. Next you'll move into the Ongoing Weight Loss Phase, a Pre-Maintenance and finally the Maintenance phase, which is the stage you reach when you met your weight loss goals.
PRO
- Atkins Diet allows you to eat many high calorie and high fat foods like meat and cheese
- Promotes eating plenty of fresh vegetables
- Many have had success losing weight on the Atkins Diet
CON
- Effort involved in calculating carbohydrate grams
- Long-term success with sticking to the Atkins Diet is questionable - Diets high in saturated fats have been linked to heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes
DIET and NUTRITION
By removing the extra carbs in your diet, and not reducing calories, Atkins allows you to enjoy flavorful favorites like steak, eggs, bacon, cream and butter. Atkins followers are directed to remove white bread, pasta and rice, baked goods and chips. Dr. Atkins' books and website provide a comprehensive list of Atkins-approved foods. You can also find scores of Atkins products like protein bars, cereal and drinks at your local grocery store.
EXERCISE
Exercise is a key component of the Atkins Diet. Even twenty minutes three times a week will reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, but most experts agree its best to get 30 minutes of moderate activity 5-6 times a week. You are free to get in more exercise if you prefer while following the Atkins diet.
CONCLUSION
Atkins is often mislabeled as red meat and more red meat. While it's allowed, there are plenty of other lean protein sources to choose from. It's doubtful that most people will follow Atkins for life, but it may be OK if you’re looking for a plan to springboard you into weight loss just as long as you are willing to consider healthy choices after you’re done.
Common Misspellings
Atkin Diet, AtkinsDiet, Aktins, Atkns, Atkins Deit, Akins Diet, Adkins Diet, Atkins Low Carb Diet, Dr. Atkins Diet, The Atkins Diet, Adkins Advantage
Related Diets: Atkins Advantage, South Beach Diet, South Beach Diet Supercharged, Low-Carb Diet, The Ketogenic Diet
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I did the Atkins diet to go into the military, I needed to lose 11 pounds in 2 weeks. I thought it was impossible. I lost 16! I was so excited, I kept doing it until I lost 36 pounds in 3 months. I gain a little when I stop, but I just go right back on, and stick to the induction phase, I don't go forward in the phases. The cravings for bread potatoes, and all the other carbs stop after the first 2 weeks. So, stay strong! ..(by the way) you CAN have bread, pasta, and other carb foods, in moderation of course, in phase 3. I strongly recommend this diet. I have been using it on and off for 2 yrs, now, and my health is in great condition....add in diet green tea..(no carbs) to help with those health numbers you are concerned with....
I have been on the Atkins Diet before..loved it. I lost over 50lbs in three months by sticking to the Induction Phase and adding a little more carbs. It was wonderful and I still eat that way now. Seriously people how can processed flour, sugary items and a bunch of starchy foods make you healthy. I stay away from red meat..have it about once a monthy and I stick mainly to chicken, fish and turkey. Every lunch I have a salad with roasted turkey breast slices and cheese, etc. I'm satisfied all afternoon. Love this way of eating.
Dr. Atkins did not die as a result of a heart attack but rather from a head injury in a fall on a slippery, icy sidewalk.
No matter how much I increased my cardio and no matter how much I decreased my caloric intake, I couldn't seem to lose any weight. I am on day 7 of the Atkins diet and have lost 7 pounds! It is amazing!
I have a hard time following a diet of a Dr. who died so young, yet I know the atkins diet had a lot of followers - hmm, what do we think, favorable diet or no?
I've always thought it was ironic that he died of a heart attack, but at the same time people rave about the results. Atkins couldn't have been this successful for nothing- worth a shot!
I've kissed the bread goodbye and loving my new look.
The commentary is right on, well done! I love this diet and it works for me!
In 2003 Dr. Atkins slipped on some ice outside his office and the head injuries put him into a coma. He never recovered and died of kidney failure 2 weeks later. He was 72 years old.
I met Dr Atkins he was not over weight , & looked great 4 his age. This diet definetly works once u get over ur carb withdrawl U feel great, lots of energy. u loose about .5 to 1 lb per day. He didn't die of heart attack. stick to chicken, turkey and fish.
haha. thats right jd!
Just to correct some misinformation given out in previous comments, Dr. Atkins did suffer a non-fatal heart attack at the age of 72 which was caused by an infection that spread to his heart. The cardiologist who treated himsaid there was no connection to his diet. He died a year later due to a brain injurycaused by a fall on an Icy sidewalk. This information is readily available if anyone had bothered to check their facts before passing on incorrect information. And by the way, the Atkins diet does work.
This diet is so hard to keep up with! I just started it, and I love how you can eat steak, chicken, eggs, etc. The only downfall is the lack of nutrients, potatoes, bread, pasta...! Anyways I have heard from many people that it works great so I encourage all to try this diet with me!
This diet works, is great, but you can get sick of the same foods. You don't miss carbs, but at the same time you get bored.
I lost 40 lbs in less than 6 months and I've followed this diet for over 5 years now. Just had a full physical with blood work - all perfect - blood pressure, cholesterol... and I am 50 years old.
It's a good lifestyle change. When I think of it as a restricting diet, I don't stay faithful. I got a clean bill of health last year from my doc. She said that I had the best #s clear across the board she'd ever seen.
I tried this diet, but it's too hard follow, plus it's extremely unhealthy, after one day of dieting I couldn't even watch TV cause my brain wasn't working at all. Also, I was constipating for 3 days. Do research before you go on this diet! It might cost you health.
I lost 65 pounds and love this way of eating. I'll never go back to the food that made me fat.
If you follow this plan correctly it is not unhealthy. Eat lower fat meats, eat salad and allowed veggies and eat the correct fats and you will lose weight and feel great. I sleep better (and less), have more energy and think clearer on this diet. I also have had several checkups while on the program and my numbers were great. It works, it was the way man was designed to eat.
Dying of a heart attack is nothing to joke about or judge someone about. My dad was fit and beautiful and died while jogging. Besides, Atkins did not die from a heart attack. Saying this is like when people perpetuated the rumor that Mama Cass died from choking.
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