|
This Atkins plan is basically a low carb plan, very different to the other diets that are based on low carbohydrate. |
 Zoom
The diet know as the Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution was first published in 1972. It quickly became popular and used by many people, it actually remains as one of the most popular diet plans nowadays. According to some estimations that have been done on this subject, over 20 million people have used the Dr. Atkins plan to lose weight. This diet plan is based on a low carb plan and, since it was so successful the first time, they decided to republished it again in 1992, changing the name to Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution.
This Atkins plan is basically a low carb plan, very different to the other diets that are based on low carbohydrate. This diet has been divided into different phases of weight losing with which the person will be setting the foundation to a very healthy long-lasting eating.
How and why it works
The Atkins diet plan has its foundation on a theory that claims that people with overweight problems tend to eat too many carbohydrates. To get energy our body burns carbohydrates as well as fat, although the carbs are used in the first place. Therefore, if the amount of carbs is dramatically reduced and, on the other hand, the eating of protein and fat is increased, the body will naturally lose weight because it will start burning the fat that had been stored.
When the carbohydrates are strongly restricted, then the body enters into a phase that is known as ketosis. In this stage, the body will burn its own fat to get fuel. A person that is going through this phase is getting the energy from ketones, which are little carbon fragments created to work as fuel by breaking down the fat storage. During this process the person feels very little hunger, but it can also have some other effects which are not so pleasant such as breath odor and constipation, even though it only happens to a small number of people.
Therefore, the carbohydrate-rich items commonly eaten to get energy, will be replaced by the fat stores as the main fuel. The amazing result of all this is weight loss.
The details of the Atkins diet plan
The basic details of this plan include:
- Bread, cereals, pasta and starchy vegetables are restricted because they are high in carbohydrates.
- Nutrient-rich food, especially meat.
- Vita-nutrient supplements are recommended as well.
The Atkins plan has four phases. The first one is known as the “Induction Phase” and it lasts 14 days. During this time the weight loss will be very fast because the body is taught to burn fat and not carbohydrates.
The second phase is called “Ongoing Weight Loss” and is meant to be done until the desired weight is reached. During this period the loss is not as fast, but some aliments are thrown back into the diet.
When there are only five to ten pounds to lose, the “Pre-Maintenance” phase starts. During this stage the weight loss is very slow and some more aliments are allowed back.
The fourth and last stage is called “Maintenance Diet” and it has been designed for the person to reach the desired weight. Those dieters who followed this diet are recommended to stick to this fourth phase for life, in order to remain healthy and not gain the weight back.
During the first stages, the carbs had been restricted to 20 grams per day more or less. Later on, the allowance had been increased by adding fiber foods, but there was not return to the refined sugar eating, milk, rice, white bread, potatoes or pasta made of white flour. Those will be forbidden for ever. |
|
