Thread: Atkins Diet – What is it? And Why to use?

Atkins Diet – What is it? And Why to use?

Introduction and Definition of Atkins Diet

It is often known as Atkins Nutritional Approach or just Atkins. It is
probably one of the most marketed and well accepted of the low
carbohydrate diets. This was adapted by Dr. Robert Atkins in 1960s
from a "Journal of the American Medical Association" he was influenced
by. He utilized this on himself and this was followed by medical
school and graduate medical training.

After treating over 10000 patients, he popularized the Atkins diet in
the form of series of books. It soon became highly successful due to
popularity of the diet theory it contained and was accepted worldwide
because of its effectiveness.

In simple words, the Atkins diet is high-protein, high-fat and very
low carbohydrate regimen. This emphasizes meat, eggs, cheese, while
discouraging foods like pasta, fruit, sugar, breads etc. This can be
considered as ketogenic diet.

Why to use Atkins Diet

This is to be used because the primary benefit of this diet is rapid
and substantial weight loss and hence to get rid of the weight loss.
With the restriction of the carbohydrates intake, the body burns more
fats stored in the body. Since there are unlimited amount of calories
or the quantities of foods allowed in the diet, there is very less
hunger in between two meals or two eating. However, according to
Atkins, the diet can increase the symptoms of irritability, fatigue,
joint or muscles pain, headaches and depressions.

Atkins diet has no advance preparation or extra preparations to go on
except of some of the blood reports are to be done. This is to know or
evaluate your cholesterol levels, triglycerides, glucose, insulin and
uric acid levels. The Atkins diet is to be used for those people who
don't like total restrictions in their diet.

When the Atkins diet is started, it begins with two week introduction
program designed to rebalance the metabolism of an individual.

Amazingly unlimited amount of the fats and proteins are allowed but
carbohydrates are controlled up to 15-20 gm/day. You can consume
butter, meat, poultry, fish, oil, cream, cheese etc. That is why, the
Atkins diet is welcomed by millions of the people.

Atkins diet causes no adverse side effects as claimed by Dr. Atkins.
According to him, low level of carbohydrates forces the body to use
the body fat as the regular fuels. Atkins diet also stimulates the
secretion of the hormone that is fat mobilizing i.e. encouraging the
breakdown of the fats. However, there is no scientific evidence that
prove such hormone exists, but it works according to Dr. Atkins.
In a question of Why to use Atkins diet, the answer could be
effectiveness in weight loss. The diet is undoubtedly effective in
reducing the weight. You can lose your weight up to 4.5 kg or 10
pounds in just one week. High levels of the ketones in the blood
suppress the appetite and this is the thumb rule of the Atkins diet.
However, it can be harmful to some people as ketones can create
diabetes like symptoms in the body.

i think i'd like to try this. is there a special diet to follow or limit to how much protein you can take in?

Great post DietForums. Since this diet allows unlimited amount of fats and protein, it could increase cholesterol levels and lead to heart disease. That's one of the major drawbacks of this diet.

Yeah, I read that in your previous post viktoria. Your post also mentioned that this does not conform with American Heart Association guidelines right?

A lot of people prefer this diet because it allows them to eat their favorite food and most of them lose weight too.

Viktoria is right. Atkins diet allows you to each as much protein as you wish. As for the carbs, your intake is 20 grams net per day during the initial phase. After that, you could increase the amount of carbohydrates (as much as 120 grams per day).

I have to admit, this diet is very attractive since it doesn't restrict you to eat foods like bacons or steak. My diet doesn't restrict them either (I'm in a low calorie diet) as long as I don't go over my calorie limit. But I still wouldn't try this. Eating unlimited protein and fats makes me feel a little anxious.