Adkins Diet

Is this of any use adkins diet. How will this help?
(October 27, 2010)

Atkins diet

The Atkins diet is a weight loss diet plan that has become very popular as it is allows one to indulge in several high-calorie foods. The Atkins diet is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the adkins diet or the adkins diet plan and so many people who search online for adkins diet information and adv ice on adkins diet food options cannot find the relevant information. The Atkins diet plan aims at restricting the intake of carbohydrates while allowing the intake of fats and protein. An individual may consume about 200 to 100 grams of carbohydrate per day, depending on the particular stage of the diet. This is far lower than the usual recommended daily intake of 225 to 325 grams.


Therefore the Atkins diet is often referred to as a very low carbohydrate diet.

The primary purpose of the Atkins diet is to alter an individual’s eating habits and help him lose weight. It also aims at helping the individual to maintain healthy weight and establish proper eating habits throughout his lifetime. According to this diet, the consumption of large amounts of carbohydrates such as refined carbohydrates, white flour and sugar can lead to increases in insulin levels, imbalances in blood glucose and cardiovascular problems. Therefore the diet restricts the intake of carbohydrates and promotes consumption of larger amounts of protein and good fats. There is no portion control or counting of calories to be done. The intake of carbohydrates, however, must be tracked. The system used here is known as net carbs. This indicates the total content of carbohydrates of a food minus the content of fiber. The Atkins diet is divided into four phases. In the first phase known as induction, almost all carbohydrates are excluded from the diet. Lean protein such as fish, eggs and poultry may be consumed. Good fats such as olive oil may also be included. In the second phase, known as ongoing weight loss, some carbohydrates which are rich in nutrients may be included in the diet as long as weight loss is still taking place. In the third phase, called pre-maintenance, weight loss is deliberately slowed down so that a new manner of eating can be established. If weight loss is still continuing, increases of 10 grams of carbohydrates may be added. In the last phase, called lifetime maintenance, the individual should have achieved ideal weight and must continue with these eating habits.
 
Atkins diet food consists of high levels of protein and fat and many health experts believe that this may pose a risk of heart problems or cancers. The Atkins diet also does not suit some people. Individuals with kidney problems should not follow this eating plan. The phases of weight loss are also not appropriate for pregnant or nursing mothers. Before starting on any diet or weight loss plan, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Information on Adkins Diet

It is a low carbohydrate eating method that aids in weight loss. Also referred to as Atkins Nutritional approach, it resolves the condition of obesity. Increased intake of refined carbohydrates and increased intake of saturated fats are the common reasons for overweight. Metabolic disorders are a result of increased refined carbohydrates, namely cereals, pasta, sugar, high fructose corn syrup and Refined flour. Dietary fat has devastating effects on an individual by increasing insulin inducing foods in the diet. The metabolism of carbohydrates is substituted by breakdown of body fat in the case of Atkins diet. Trans fats and hydrogenated fats are completely abstained from.

Excessive carbohydrate breakdown results in ketosis, thereby followed by lipolysis. The net carbohydrates are restricted in the Atkins diet. These are the carbohydrates that affect the blood sugar. Hunger by low blood sugar is prevented. Net carbohydrates are deciphered by deducting fibre and sugar alcohol from the total carbohydrates of a particular food source. Sugar alcohols contribute to high glycaemic index, as they convert in a slow manner. The feeling of deprivation or hunger is never seen in individuals on Atkins diet. Whole and unprocessed foods are preferred. Foods with low glycaemic index prove beneficial.