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  Atkins diet





 
 
 Introduction to Atkins diet
 Commitment to Limit Carbohydrates
 Dr. Atkins' Theory & Concept
 How does Atkins Diet work ?
 The Science of Atkins Diet
 The Phases and the Food
 
Introduction to Atkins diet
With obesity being the wide spread issue today, we have indeed given way to various combination of foods to be consumed so as to reach the ideal body weight. Atkins diet is one such example. 

Remember, you should never start a diet without first talking to your doctor. This is especially true with a diet like Atkins because it is so stringent and is most likely a very significant change from your normal eating habits. Additionally, some research has indicated that this type of diet may endanger the kidneys, result in dehydration, or lead to other health problems. Ask for an alternate diet if your doctor dissuades you from trying Atkins.
Commitment to Limit Carbohydrates

It's very difficult to lose the "diet mentality" and it's very easy to hope for and seek out a "quick fix"; since weight loss occurs so rapidly on Atkins, this diet seems like one. However, if you want your results to be long-term you need to ask yourself an important question :

Are you committed to limiting your carbohydrates for good? If not, then this plan probably isn't for you, because even as Atkins himself states, returning to your previous eating habits will bring the weight back.

If you find that Atkins is not for you, you may be averse to the type of foods you are eating.

That's fine - some people simply can't tolerate eating a certain type of foods, and others feel deprived if their favorites are eliminated. If you don't feel happy and satisfied with a particular plan, it's time to find an alternative.

Dr. Atkins' Theory & Concept

The core concept of The Atkins Diet is Dr. Atkins' theory that over-consumption of and hypersensitivity to carbohydrates is the root of our problem with being overweight. The principle he bases his plan on says that it is the way the body processes the carbohydrates you eat - not how much fat you eat - that causes you to gain weight. 

Atkins says that many overweight people may be "insulin resistant," that is, the cells that convert carbohydrates into glucose (which becomes energy) do not work correctly. While most diet experts say that not everyone who has a weight problem is insulin resistant, Atkins says it is more likely than not.

That's where Dr. Atkins' plan comes in : What is the remedy to insulin resistance or over-consumption of carbohydrates? Begin restricting yourself, particularly from eating the "bad" ones like those found in processed, pre-packaged and junk foods (cookies, sodas, etc.) and prepare to follow this high-protein eating plan.

How does Atkins Diet work ?

By reducing your carbohydrate intake to less than 40 grams a day, you will enter a bodily process called ketosis. Ketosis is a state in which your body burns fat as fuel. Atkins also says that ketosis will affect insulin production which will prevent more fat from being formed. Atkins' plan suggests that once you enter ketosis and your body begins efficiently using the fat as fuel, your cravings for carbs will subside and you won't miss the foods you are doing without.

The Science of Atkins Diet

The science behind how the Atkins diet helps you to lose weight is simple. When you eat very few carbohydrates (which are your usual main source of energy), the body goes into what is called a 'ketogenic state' where it must rely on stored fat for energy. As a result, you burn fat quickly and begin to lose weight. This process also makes the body produce compounds called ketones, which initially give dieters a 'buzz' or euphoric feeling. Most dieters don't feel deprived on low-carbohydrates diets for the first several days because they are eating meals high in fat. 

The four-phase individualized eating plan allows one to knowledgeably select which foods to eat based on ones need to achieve weight loss and weight maintenance, enjoy good health and prevent disease. Food selections will differ to varying degrees depending upon the phase and individual metabolism. 

The Phases and the Food

The Atkins Diet consists of the following four stages: 

Induction

Ongoing weight loss

Pre-maintenance 

Maintenance

Induction is the first 14 days of the plan, during which Atkins says you can lose up to 15 pounds. This rapid weight loss is due to limiting your carbohydrates to 20 grams a day. The only carbohydrates you can have are low-carbohydrates vegetables like lettuce, broccoli and tomatoes. You are limited to three cups per day. Forget about yogurt, fruit and starchy vegetables like potatoes. If you consume alcohol or caffeine, you're going to have to say "sayonara" to those beverages as well.  

During the next stage -Ongoing Weight Loss - you can increase your carbohydrates intake by five grams i.e. take up to 25gms per day. You will eventually hit a plateau and have to slack off your carbohydrates intake once again. 

During Pre-maintenance, weight loss will happen a little more slowly and you will be able to "test" certain foods to see if you can safely add them to your diet without gaining any weight. 

Once you reach your goal weight, you enter Maintenance and may introduce some more carbohydrates back into your diet... but not the "bad" ones, as they will result in the weight returning.

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