|

Author:
Adam Waxler

Copyright 2005 Adam Waxler

The Atkins diet is a weight loss diet based on the principle that the body burns both carbohydrates and fat for calories. Therefore, according to the Atkins diet, if you reduce the amounts of carbohydrates in your diet, you will burn more fat and you will experience more weight loss.

According to the Atkins diet, calories are not the main focus. The key to losing weight with the Atkins diet is lowering your carbohydrate intake. By restricting your intake of carbohydrates you will encourage your body to turn to fat for energy and therefore your body will be burning fat instead of carbohydrates.

The Atkins diet has provoked a significant amount of controversy since it was first published. The recommendation to eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet went against the dietary recommendations of many established medical institutions. The Atkins diet was denounced as unsafe, particularly if used as a life-long weight loss plan. Over the past five to ten years, there have been numerous studies that come down on both sides of determining if the Atkins diet is safe. The last version of the Atkins diet included the admission that calories do matter, and the advice to 'eat only enough to satisfy hunger'.

The eating plan recommended by the Atkins diet contains very low portions of carbohydrates, deriving the majority of carbohydrates from vegetables high in fiber and low in carbs, and unrestricted portions of proteins, including high fat proteins like beef, pork and cheese.

Follow up research on people who have used the Atkins Diet to lose weight show a fast initial weight loss that eventually levels off. The Atkins Diet has four phases:

Phase 1 of the Atkins Diet: The Induction Phase, which restricts carbohydrates severely.

Phase 2 of the Atkins Diet: The OWL (Ongoing Weight Loss) Phase, in which you add in limited carbs and tailor the eating plan to your tastes.

Phase 3 of the Atkins Diet: Pre-maintenance, with ten pounds or less to the target goal, deliberately slows weight loss to begin adjusting the body to after-weight-loss diet.

Phase 4 of the Atkins Diet: Lifetime Maintenance, a long-term eating plan that emphasizes a low carbohydrate diet and healthy, long-term eating.

Despite the reassurances that you can "eat all you want and still lose weight", it is important to pay attention to the portions recommended in the menus and eating plans at www.atkins.com.

So who should use the Atkins Diet? Is the Atkins diet safe?

While the Atkins Diet seems on the surface to be directly counter to what is recommended by most medical institutions, many of the principles are actually the same. Unless you are under the care of a physician for a chronic medical condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or coronary problems, you can use the Atkins Diet.

About the author:

Adam Waxler publishes the Weight-Loss-Power-Package...a collection of six weight loss ebooks guaranteed to help you lose weight. For more information on the Atkins Diet check out the complete package here: http://www.weight-loss-power-package.com and check out his blog for free weight loss tips here: http://www.weight-loss-machine.com/blog

| Article Keywords: Healthy Diets

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Healthy Diets... Dieting Tips For Fast Weight Loss - How To Jump-start Your Diet Do you want to lose weight fast? While there is no diet that will allow you to eat as much as you want and still lose weight, there are things you can do to speed along the process. Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are the most important aspects of any diet, but there are appetite suppressants and diet aids designed to help you burn fat and increase your metabolic rate. There are many safe diet products available but keep in mind some products may have severe side effects so choose your diet aids carefully. You can speed the weight loss process by choosing the types of foods you eat carefully. A low fat, reduced calorie diet is one of the best ways to lose weight. You won't lose weight over night but you should see a gradual drop in your weight over time. Generally, the more weight one has to lose, the faster the weight will disappear. Those who are severely obese will lose weight at a much faster rate then someone who is only moderately overweight. Diets that produce very fast weight loss are usually not for long-term use. Starvation or fad diets should last a short period of time. A lack of good nutrition can lead to permanent health problems. You can lose a large amount of weight quickly with these diets which may give you the will power to continue your weight loss efforts when you change to a more nutritionally sound type of diet. Your health is the most important consideration when choosing a diet plan or product. See your doctor before starting a weight loss program. Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish, and lean meats. Prepare your food without added fats such as butter or cooking oil. Make sure you take a vitamin each day while dieting. A short term weight loss plan...