What is the Atkins Diet Plan?
The Atkins Diet Plan is a popular and effective revolutionary weight loss program that was introduced and developed by Dr. Robert C. Atkins in the year 1960. The diet program was initially scrutinized by many due to its controversial dietary programs.
The popularity of this weight loss program had become unstoppable when the book entitled “Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution” by Dr. Atkins was released in the early 1990’s which even became a best seller. The book contains contributions from Dr. Atkins’ colleagues claiming Atkins Diet Plan success in treating obesity, high blood and diabetes.
Why Choose the Atkins Diet Plan?
The Atkins Diet Plan allows its user to lose weight without getting hungry, which is why more people with weight problems prefer this program. Dr. Atkins designed the Atkins dietary program based on the learning that insulin, hormones produced by refined carbohydrates and high sugar diet, is the culprit for why the body stores calories as fats. Given this, users of Atkins are strictly prohibited to eat carbohydrate rich food. Having identified which type of food is harmful for a weight loss diet gave Dr. Atkins the opportunity to identify which foods are helpful and effective in losing weight.
Exploiting the use of low carbohydrates diet Dr. Atkins has formulated a healthy diet program that is both effective and appetizing for people trying to lose weight. People with weight problems no longer need to starve and suffer emotional stress trying to fight the urge to eat, the Atkins Diet Plan aims to let its user get the beautiful body they need by eating well and eating right.
What is Low Carb Food?
A Low carbohydrate diet is an essential part of weight loss programs such as the Atkins Diet Plan. This is because low carbohydrates food eliminate the risk of increase in body insulin, which triggers the body, to store amass calories as fats. Low carb foods are also often rich in fats, protein and fiber that are often used to replace the body’s need for carbohydrates. Aside from helping resolve weight problem this diet is also proven to be beneficial for people with high cholesterol and heart disease.
The Atkins Diet Plan is divided into four phases. Each phase has a different kind of food list promoting the low carb diet. The initial phase is the induction where carbohydrates intake is limited to 20 grams. Protein foods such as eggs, meat and seafood are recommended during the induction phase. Eating vegetables is also encouraged. At least 15 grams of carbohydrates are expected to come from vegetable intake. Maximum of 4 ounces of cheese per day is also advised during Atkins initial phase. However, any form of fresh cheese is not allowed.
Fats and oils play a major role in an Atkins diet. It is essential that during the 4 phases of the diet to take natural fats from natural resources such as foods containing omega-3 fatty acids (if pregnant, it is best to consult your doctor first), virgin/extra virgin olive oil, peanut, regular full-fat mayonnaise, and canola. Drinking at least 8 ounces of water a day is also recommended. Drinking water can help you get through between meals.
The next phase is On Going Weight Loss. During this phase Atkins diet program recommends increasing the amount of carbohydrate intake into the diet. More vegetables and salads are introduced during this phase. Cheese including fresh ones is also acceptable during this stage. Beans, whole grains, and wider variety of fruits are also recommended.
The third phase is called Pre-Maintenance. Weight loss is expected to be slower during this phase. Daily carb diet is increased at least 10 grams per day until the weight loss progress dramatically drops. Starchy vegetables such as carrots, beets, parsnips, and plantain are recommended. Beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas are also okay during this phase. Grains like rice, barley and pasta can be introduced during this Pre-Maintenance stage. Wide variety of fruits can also be included as a part of the gradual increase in carb diet.
The fourth phase is called Maintenance. This phase is the continuation of phase 3. During this phase the user of the Atkins diet is more familiar with the effect each food has on the body so they are able to balance the combinations for their particular body.
The Atkins Diet Menu and Other Useful Tools
The Atkins diet menu is designed to help its user control the amount of carbs intake and help the body achieve its ketosis state. The Ketosis state is when the body starts to consume fat for energy. Once this state is initiated the body’s need for carbohydrates is also decreased thus eliminating possible weight gain.
Accurate information regarding carb intake is an important part of a successful Atkins Diet.
With the use of the Carbohydrate Counter Chart, Atkins Diet Plan users are able to mix and match their daily menu so as to avoid a boring menu cycle that can lead to failure to finish the entire program.
Weight problems are not only an issue of beauty but more so an issue of health. Choose a healthy and natural way to address this problem. Stop looking at synthetic drugs that offers beautiful body at the expense of your health. Look for something that can make you feel beautiful inside and out such as the Atkins Diet.
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