Atkins Diet

 Atkins Diet - What You Should Know

 

 

 

 

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One of the most prolific and recognized diets to hit the diet world in the past few decades is The Atkins Diet. Based on a book by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, the Atkins Diet has become a godsend for many and a problem for some. According to Dr. Atkins, when it comes to weight loss we need to be concerned with the carbohydrates we eat, not the fat. While many people have found great success using the Atkins Diet, others have not. The diet just isn't for everyone. Before you start the Atkins diet, or any kind of diet, talk to your doctor to make sure it is a good idea for you.

There will be little calorie counting on the Atkins Diet, but say good-bye to junk foods and processed foods. Moreover, you will be eating few carbohydrates and many foods high in protein. Why all this? Well, the theory behind the low-carb diet is that by reducing your intake of these foods, you will enter a phase in your body called ketosis. During ketosis, your body will burn fat in the body for fuel instead of using the foods in your diet, which will in turn stop insulin production, which will in turn prevent more fat from being stored.

There are four main stages to the Atkins diet:

 

1)  Induction. This is the first 2 weeks, and in this phase many people report losing 15 pounds or more, simply because the carbohydrate intake is cut to 20 grams a day. The only carbs allowed are a limited amount of low-carb vegetables.

 

2) Ongoing weight loss. This stage allows 25 grams of carbs a day.

 

3) Pre-maintenance. In this stage you can try out other foods to see what carbohydrates you can add into your diet.

 

4) Maintenance.  After you’ve reached your weight loss goals, you may eat all good carbs, but the premise behind the diet plan is that you won’t want to eat these foods. Choosing healthy carbs will become a way of life.

Remember, with any diet exercise is very important in order to lose weight. Additionally, healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, are also important. Many people have called into question the safety of the Atkins diet due to its severe methods, and some say that the plan only makes you bounce back to your original weight as soon as you hit the maintenance level. The key is to find something that works for you and your weight loss goals and that is healthy for your body.