Atkins Diet Pros And Cons
Dr. Robert Atkins is the creator of the most popular low-carb nutritional approach better known as the Atkins diet. It came to the public’s attention back in the early 70s and it has been promoted ever since as a major weight loss solution. Dr. Atkins’ metabolic theories and scientific studies laid the basis for the New Diet Revolution. To describe it in very brief lines, the Atkins diet is a restrictive weight loss approach that aims at reducing the blood sugar level by eliminating carbohydrates from the daily diet. The emphasis falls on unprocessed, whole foods, even if carbohydrates remain a no-n.
Contrary to other weight loss diets that recommend low glycemic carbohydrates like vegetables and black rice, the Atkins diet is strict with these too. The Atkins diet is supported by Atkins Nutritionals, a company that markets the foods allowed in the program. There are four phases corresponding to this approach: induction, ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and lifetime maintenance.
INDUCTION is the most restrictive phase of the entire Atkins diet and it lasts for two weeks. 20 net grams is the maximum daily carbohydrate intake that you are allowed during this period. They must come from cauliflower, pumpkin, spinach, asparagus, tomatoes and 54 other vegetables. You should not consume legumes such as green beans.
You can also eat fish, fowl, eggs, cheddar cheese, olive oil and butter. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water per day during the induction phase.
During the ONGOING WEIGHT LOSS phase of the Atkins diet, the carb intake will increase with 5 net grams per week. Use the carbohydrate ladder designed for this phase, and make sure your meals follow it.
PRE-MAINTENANCE brings 10 net grams per week, so that you reach the level up to which you do not put on weight.
LIFETIME MAINTENANCE carries on with the eating habits that you’ve acquired during the first phases of the Atkins diet. If you focus on unprocessed foods, health and fitness benefits remain permanent.
There is both praise and criticism of the Atkins diet, and the risks and benefits are not as clear as we’d like them to be. It is not sure whether the health benefits are as high as emphasized by some program promoters. Studies are not conclusive here, meaning that experts have not reached a conclusion, due to the contradicting data available. Carefully analyze the pros and cons as well as the specifics of the Atkins diet before taking it up.
Dave Garrett could be the writer of the report associated with Atkins Diet. For more information related to Thyromine or Thyromine Review bring a visit to his site www.thyromine4thyroid.com