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Atkins Diet

Atkins diet is a form of low carbohydrates based weight reduction diet put forward by Dr. Robert Atkins. From its introduction since 1960s the diet has been in center of huge controversy. While many people rushed to incorporate all of its recommendations, it was heavily criticized in medical and scientific institutions.

How the Diet Works

Through his study of thousands of patients, Dr. Atkins concluded that main problem of obesity is consumption of too much refined carbohydrate including sugar, flour and corn syrups. He further proposed that saturated fat is not a nutritional problem and only fats from hydrogenated fats should be avoided.

In face of these empirical findings Dr. Atkins dismissed the food pyramids and propounded that refined carbohydrates are primarily responsible for weight increase and obesity. Too many carbohydrates causes excessive secretion of insulin which causes food craving, unstable blood sugar levels and result in depression and sleeping problems.

Atkins Diet claims to stabilize insulin and blood sugar level by removing the food craving and reducing appetite and thus controlling the metabolic processes which would lead to more burning of stored fat in the body. It also advises increase in protein and saturated fat consumption.

Diet Phases

There are four phases in Atkins Diet Plan

Phase 1:

This is most strict phase of the diet program. Carbohydrates consumption are brought to a maximum of 20 g. per day. Allowed food include generous amount of meat, cheese, a couple of teaspoons of heavy cream, salad vegetables, and a small bowl of low carbohydrate vegetables. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in this phase.

Most people report considerable weight loss, from 3 to 4 kg, in the first phase.

Phase 2:

Also called as ongoing weight loss phase, in introduces carbohydrates back in the diet at rate of 5 g per week. In the first week, vegetables should be added to diet. In next berries, green vegetables and sunflower seeds can be added. This phase lasts until the weight is within 4-5 kg of the intended weight.

Phase 3:

Carbohydrate intake is further increased in this phase. This phase has the goal to find 'critical level of carbohydrate for maintenance.' This is the maximum amount of carbohydrate a person should eat without gaining weight.

Phase 4:

This is the life long phase where people are intended to carry on the habits they have learned in the previous three phases. Whole and unprocessed food is always recommended.

Controversy

Since its launch, Atkins Diet is under huge controversy. Major health institutions, hospitals, scientist and even government research bodies have slammed it as unhealthy, potentially risky and harmful for people. Harvard Nutrition Department, American Medical Association's Council, American Dietetic Association and National Academy of Science, the most prestigious scientific body in USA, have all unanimously rejected the claims and proposals of Atkins Diet. Still the supporters cite the cases of thousands of people who have been benefited from Atkins Diet to counter the charges.

Next>>Weight Watchers Diet
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