The Atkins diet is based on having a low carbohydrate intake. First
you must follow a 14 day Induction phase which limits your carbohydrate
to 20g each day (a banana contains 22g). This basically consists
of meat, chicken, fish, eggs or cheese with some green and salad
vegetables, butter and oil. All carbohydrate-containing foods such
as fruit, many vegetables, bread, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta,
biscuits, sugar and so on must be avoided, as must milk and yogurt.
Weight loss can be very rapid in this phase.
How does the Atkins Diet work?
The diet claims that you lose weight not just by reducing your
calorie intake but also how it effects your 'metabolic resistance.'
The diet is different from high carbohydrate diets in which increase
the production of insulin ( as insulin invites body cells to store
fat). This diet works by restricting carbohydrate thus avoiding
high insulin levels and weight gain. In addition to this the body
will be producing keytones, which are said to be a sign that the
body is burning fat reserves.
How much do you lose on the Atkins Diet?
It is claimed to enable a weight loss of
1-2 pounds a week.
Are there any possible side effects?
The diet has had much media coverage drawing attention to some
of the side effects people have said to have experienced whilst
on the diet. For this reason it has many critics, as it is high
in fat and restricting in nutritious foods such as whole grains
and fruit. There is limited research about how healthy it is in
the longer term. The side effects listed by people on the diet have
been headaches, bad breath, general malaise and dizzyness. However
this must be weighed up against the many benefits that weight loss
has including reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood
sugar levels. There is no class support with this diet so your on
your own with the book!
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