The Atkins Diet
Introduction
The history of The Atkins Diet goes back to the Dr. Atkins’ theory that over-consumption of and hypersensitivity to carbohydrates is the root of our problem with being overweight.The principle he based his plan on says that it is the way your body processes the carbohydrates you eat — not how much fat you eat — that causes you to gain weight. While most diet experts say that not everyone who has a weight problem is insulin resistant, Atkins says it is more likely than not.
It’s working
By reducing one’s intake of carbohydrates to less than 50 grams a day, one will enter a metabolic process called ketosis, which is nothing but a state in which one’s body will start burning the fat to provide energy. Atkins also says that ketosis will affect insulin production which will prevent more fat from being formed.
The Phases
The Atkins Diet comprises of the 4 stages: induction, ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and maintenance.
Induction is executed in the first fortnight of the plan, during which according to Atkins you can lose up to 15 pounds. This rapid weight loss is due to ceasing the intake of carbs to just 20 grams a day. You are limited to three cups per day. Forget about fruit and starchy vegetables like potatoes. If you consume alcoholic beverages or coffee, you better bid “sayonara” to those as well.
During ongoing weight loss, you can increase your carb intake by 5 grams. You will eventually reach a high and the again have to curb off the carb again.
In pre-maintenance, weight loss will happen gradually and you will be able to test certain foods to see if they could be added in your diet without resulting in weight gain.
Then the maintenance stage is there, when you may introduce some more carbs into your diet? of course not by adding the bad ones, as they will be resulting in the bringing back the weight again.
Facts
The Atkins Diet recommends exercise. Any diet that doesn’t include exercise in its recommendations will probably not be as effective and does not encourage health lifestyle change.
Person suffering from gout, kidney conditions, type I diabetes or pregnant women should not follow Atkins. According to some health experts, ketosis results in too-rapid, and unusual levels of weight loss and that the loss consists of lean body mass and water. Regardless of whichever diet you persist on, be it be Atkins or Weight Watchers, diet experts agree that it is calorie reduction that results in weight loss. After you lose weight, you can’t just revert back to your original ways of eating crabs.
Theme
Remember, one should never start a diet without prior consultation to the doctor. This is pretty much essential with a diet like Atkins because it is so inflexible and is most likely a noteworthy change from your normal eating habits. Additionally, some researches have indicated that this type of diet may endanger the kidneys, result in sunstroke, or lead to other health problems.
Before giving ATKINs a try, ask yourself: Are you committed to limiting your carbs 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.
Chris Read, editor of Hateweight.com, is a contributing author to the Hateweight.com for distinct article sites/journals. For any weight loss related issue please feel free to visit the website hateweight.com for more information. Or write to him at [email protected]
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Plan Your Way to Weight Loss Success
Like millions of men and women, I started resolving to exercise more and lose the weight for good. Months later, I haven’t been to the gym any more frequently than last time I resolved to lose weight and exercise. Why not? I meant well. I had the best intentions. But according to experts I failed because I didn’t have a plan.
Studies in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people with action plans were more likely to perform goal-driven behavior, in my case, exercise. But you must know, This isn’t as easey as just writing down “Lose weight and exercise more.”
Its a process you must go through, really think about what you want. Using the following questions, you can create your own exercise action plan.
WHAT ARE MY GOALS?
There are five specific things you should keep in mind when writing down all of your goals.
1. Make your goals specific, and don’t say you need to say you will. For example: “I will lose 10 pounds.”
2. Make them measurable. Take a before picture. Post it on your fridge and everytime you go for a midnight snack you are staring yourself in the face! Trust me, this helps.
3. Set short term and long term goals. Be sure to write those down. Write down 5 goals for each long and short term goal.
4. Set deadlines. You cannot lose 50 pounds in 50 days. Set realistic timelines so they can keep you from getting discouraged. Give yourself a week to lose 1 to 2 pounds.
5. Write down your emotional reason for staying on track. Find out what makes you tick. Is the the thought of wearing what you want, or is it feeling great and looking good? Find out and write it down.
Figure out “How often can I work out and how much time can I spend?”
If you want to stick to yor plan be realistic about the amount of time you can spend. Even if it is only 20 minutes, so be it. Make those 20 minutes count as best you can. Devote yourself to that time.
What do I have available to me?
Ask yourself if you are going to attend a gym or if you have aerobic videos collecting dust. Maybe invest in some dumdbells to use with those videos. Do whatever you have to do to be successful.
Apply these guidelines and you will be on your way to weight loss success. So get started!
Written by Jody Branch of online-weight-loss-resources.com. A website devoted to weight loss and fitness information.
You may use this article if you do not change it in any way and include my link. If you decide to do so, please e-mail me and let me know at [email protected]
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