ATKINS - Weight Loss Program



CONCEPT

The Atkins diet plan emerged in the 1970's, and has recently, over the last 2 years, become a dieting phenomenon in North America and the rest of the world. Developed by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, the plan uses the restriction of carbohydrates in order to lose weight. The program actually encourages users to eat all the protein and fat they wish, but limit any carbohydrates to a bare minimum.

Dr. Atkins says that eating large amounts of carbohydrates causes the body to produce more insulin, which leads to increased hunger and weight gain. On the other end, eating plenty of protein and fat causes decreased appetite. Low carbohydrate diet plans ask users to limit severely or cut out all-together foods that contain larger quantities of carbs - foods such as potatoes, corn, bread, fruits and vegetables, which are items that contain many vitamins and minerals essential for good health.

Many people have claimed success on the diet, yet all ramifications of the diet have not yet been investigated. Being able to lose weight is very separate from being in good health. A great diet plan is one that promotes both weight loss and good health. The lack of significant research relating to the Atkins diet makes it hard to recommend, as there are numerous possibilities for negative impacts.

PLAN

The Atkins diet plan consists of four phases. These phases are meant to be followed in order to achieve the goals of the program. The Atkins plan begins with the induction phase, which is meant to induce ketosis and lipolysis within your body. This is achieved by cutting out all carbohydrates from your diet for approximately 2 weeks. Ketosis is when your body switches from burning food-consumed carbohydrates for energy to burning fat from the body for energy. The body then releases fatty acids into the bloodstream which are converted into Ketones which are used by the body to provide the needed energy. Lipolysis is the term for a body using consumed fat for energy. It is said that ketosis may be very harmful to your kidneys and may be fatal.

The second phase is the Ongoing Weight Loss phase. In this phase users are lead to discover the amount of carbohydates viable for their continued weight loss. The amount of weight lost will decrease, but is meant to continue. There is a threat that your old eating habits may return, and it is important to retain your body in lipolysis.

The third phase is the Pre-Maintenance Phase, which is a prepatory step for the fourth phase, Lifetime Maintenance. In Pre-Maintenance, you are asked to add carbs until your weight loss slows to about 1 pound a week. Once this level is reached, your weight loss should slow to a halt at your ideal weight. From then on, you will be accustomed to the amount of carbs that should remain in your diet for the rest of your life. With Lifetime Maintenance, you maintain your ideal weight by including a vast array of foods while ensuring you remain in lipolysis.

FOOD SELECTION

While on Atkins, you are encouraged to eat as much protein and fat as you wish, literally eating until you are stuffed. Yet your carbohydrates are limited, especially in the induction phase where they are forbidden. Some foods that are not suggested are potatoes, corn, bread, fruits and vegetables. It is a topic of much debate whether it is healthy to cut out many foods that provide many of the vitamins and minerals required for a healthy body. However, if you manage to design a diet that allows you to obtain these vitamins and minerals while adhering to the plan could make it more feasable, if you get past the ketosis factor.

EATING OUT

Eating out with Atkins is not extremely difficult, but it forces you to do without potatoes, rice, pasta, rolls and dessert. Once you have gotten accustomed to the plan, it will be easier to decide what to order to maintain your diet.

ATKINS AND CHILDREN

It is very difficult to avoid breads and cereals within families whose kids love them. Also, it can be hard to keep children away from sugar and fruit. The diet is also not recommended for vegetarians.




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