Atkins Diet

Is the Atkins Diet Safe?

A few years ago, it seemed like just about everybody was talking about the Atkins Diet. They were either on it, wanted to be, or knew someone who was. The diet, created by Dr. Robert Atkins, continues to be controversial because it supports eating fat. Critics of the diet say it's dangerous, but Atkins stood by his diet until his death in 2003.

What is the Atkins Diet?

The theory behind the Atkins Diet is that you can quickly lose weight by eating fat and eliminating carbohydrates. It was the first diet program that encouraged eating fatty foods. When the Atkins Diet was first introduced, millions of people got on the program. What could be better than losing weight on a diet that allowed you to eat tons of meat?

The diet claims that you can lose weight quickly by minimizing your carbohydrate intake. You can do this all while pigging out on pork chops, steak, and any other type of protein. Supposedly, the diet also helps reduce heartburn, bloating, headaches, and a slew of other maladies.

How it Works

The first phase of the Atkins Diet lasts for 14 days. This phase is called Induction, and during this phase, you cleanse your body of carbohydrates. Think of it as going through "carbohydrates withdrawal."

Carbohydrates provide fuel for your body, so you're going to feel tired and fatigued during this phase. Dieters say this is the hardest and most uncomfortable part of the diet. However, after a few days you're supposed to feel energized and healthier. You're also supposed to lose the most weight during this phase.

The second part of the diet involves slowing your weight loss. This phase is called Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL), and it involves a return to carbohydrates. You raise your carbohydrate intake from 0 to 25 grams per day. You then raise your carbohydrates by 5 grams per day, until your weight loss starts to slow down. You stay at that number until you're within 5 to 10 pounds of your ideal weight. This phase also allows you to add more of the restricted foods back into your diet.

The third phase of the diet is the pre–maintenance period. You eat just enough carbohydrates to keep your weight steady. Your weight loss should slow to one pound per week. Following that, you're supposed to maintain your target weight for a month. The last phase of the Atkins Diet is the lifetime maintenance period. Basically, it involves learning to maintain your new weight and eating habits.

Last Words on the Atkins Diet

Some healthcare professionals argue that the Atkins Diet is very dangerous. They say that carbohydrates provide energy, and without them the body becomes sluggish and tired. Some even argue that any weight loss resulting from the diet is just water weight. However, plenty of dieters swear by the Atkins Diet. If you're considering this diet, make sure you perform thorough research. It may be a good idea to discuss it with your doctor.