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How was the Atkins
program started?
One of the most well know diet plans was created by Dr. Atkins,
and stresses a low-carb approach to dieting that allows up to two-thirds
of calories to come from animal fat. He first started following
a controlled carb diet in 1963, after reading about the diet in
the Journal of the American Medical Association. Dr. Atkins built
on that approach, and published his own article on low-carb dieting
in Vogue magazine in 1970. In 1972, he published his first book,
"Dr. Atkins' Diet Revolution," which caused controversy with the
medical establishment but went on to become one of the 50 best selling
books of all time.
How does the Atkins
program work?
The Atkin’s diet is a four stage diet that’s goal is to turn ones
metabolism into a system that burns fat as the primary source of
energy. The first stage of the Atkins diet is the induction period.
During this time, dieters are allowed to eat no more than 20 grams
of carbohydrates per day. This is a diet consisting of nearly unlimited
meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, cheeses, oils, butter, margarine,
bacon, and sausages. They allow 20 grams of carbs that are generally
derived from trace amounts of carbs in sauces, dressings, cheeses
and a couple cups of lettuce greens or vegetables daily. Dieters
are not allowed to have any milk, fruits, grains, cereals, breads
or high glycemic vegetables such as potatoes, peas, corn and carrots.
In the second stage, dieters can begin adding about 5 more grams
of carbohydrates to their diet weekly. A diet consisting of no more
than 40 to 90 grams of carbohydrates is what dieters must stick
to long term, in the third and fourth stages.
What
are the Pro's of the Atkins plan?
Many people have found success with using this diet plan to quickly
reduce weight and keep it off. Following the Atkin's plan allows
you to eat delicious food and feel satisfied, helping people to
feel better mentally and physically. Energy level wills increase,
and you may discover that your food cravings have relinquished and
the need for comfort foods is no longer necessary. This plan has
also been reported to increase HDL’s (good cholesterol), while reducing
LDL’s (bad cholesterol).
What are the Con's
of the Atkins plan?
While this diet has been proven to work at taking the weight off,
this is only when one stays with the diet ideology long term. Inability
to adhere to the diet long term is a down side of using this approach.
Also, the high protein intake has been said to increase risks of
osteoporosis, gall bladder disease, and kidney stones due to the
calcium loss created by following this diet plan.
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