Atkins Diet

Dr. Robert Atkins first wrote about the Atkins diet in the 1970s, in his book The New Diet Revolution. The Atkins diet claims that you can eat any protein and fat, but little or no carbohydrates, and still become thin. A controversial claim - but one that many believe has worked for them.

Over the last few years Atkins soared into popularity, enough that the food industry began to market low-carb foods. Lately the popularity has ebbed. Atkins is not for everybody, but does have it's place.

Atkins Diet Plan & Support

We get reports of mixed success on Atkins. This could be due to the large number of people that 'fall off' the diet. However research has shown that many people have achieved short-term weight loss with Atkins.

The Atkins diet must be done with great care. It is advisable to follow this on-line (you can find the Atkins Diet on-line here).

Atkins Branded FoodsBars, Drinks, Snacks

Atkins Nutritionals is the company started by the late Robrt Atkins. The company has now placed itself as a vendor of low-carb convenience foods suitable for the diet. The line of foods is called Atkins Advantage. You can purchase the Atkins Advantage foods at a 40% less than retail at Vitacost.

See more about Atkins meals and menus here.

Atkins Diet Outline

The main component of the Atkins diet is a severe restriction of carbohydrate intake. This includes foods with sugar, bread, cereal, some starchy vegetables and pasta.

Weight loss on the Atkins diet is based on the following premise:

First, the main source of energy for our bodies is carbohydrates. When we have fewer carbs in our body, it must look elsewhere for another source of energy. Next in line is stored body fat. So reducing carbs forces the body to burn fat. This process is called Ketosis. Secondly, carbs stimulate the creation of insulin. Insulin is what converts excess carbs to fat. So when you have less carbs you have less insulin and therefore create less new fat.

Eat all you want?

There is no restriction on portion size, and the Atkins dieter can eat a whole range of low-carb foods including chicken, steak, shellfish, pork chops, eggs, duck, turkey - any kind of meat, wonderful salads, cheeses, fatty salad dressings, some nuts, and of course the Atkins bars and shakes (see above).

The Controversy

One of the most controversial issues with Atkins is that it is a high-fat diet, - and there is no precise guidelines on the kind of fats to eat. Most government health agencies recommend no more than 30% fat in our diet - yet with Atkins you can easily consume more fat than this. Atkins is not just low carb it is very low carb.