Atkins and Weight Management
The Atkins Diet is based on sustaining the human body in a state of ketosis. Ketosis causes the liver to convert fatty acids into energy instead of using carbohydrates.
I’ve tried the Atkins Diet and lost 34 lbs. I lost weight until I quit following the diet plan and started back on my old eating habits. The diet lets you intake proteins and fats, but limits carbohydrates to encourage the human body to enter a metabolic state of ketosis. The human body then starts the process of breaking down fat to use as a source of food. Protein and fats will leave the body feeling more satiated and hold off your appetite between meals.
Dr. Robert Atkins, the author and founder, says the theory behind the Atkins Diet: your body’s main source of energy is from carbohydrates. If you significantly decrease your intake of carbohydrates, it forces your body to utilize your stored fat for energy.
The Atkins Diet Advantage program offers pre-packaged low-carbohydrate to make meal planning quick and easy.
Studies are ongoing to determine if the Atkins Diet affects weight over the long term. Studiesthat were conducted on the Atkins Diet for one year indicated measurable fat loss.
Details of the Atkins Diet program are written in an easy to follow format in the Diet Revolution and the New Diet Revolution, by Dr. Atkins
Atkins Diet – Four Phases
The weight loss program is set up into four phases.
• Induction
• On-going Weight Loss
• Pre-Maintenance
• Lifetime Maintenance
Atkins Diet – Induction
For the induction phase (approximately 2 weeks) carbohydrates are restricted to 20 grams per day. Only leafy, green carbohydrates are allowed. Cheeses, meats, oils and creams are the bulk of this phase. Alcohol and caffeine are not allowed during induction. The ketosis state starts and causes calories to be burnt at a higher rate, usually producing the largest amount of weight loss throughout the diet.
Atkins Diet – On-going Weight Loss
Cheeses, meats, oils and creams are still the main focus of Atkins, but carbohydrates are increased weekly by approximately 5 grams. If there is an increase in weight or weight loss stops, it is advised to decrease your intake of carbohydrates. This phase is continues until you’re within 10 pounds of your desired weight.
Atkins Diet -Pre-Maintenance
Following the Atkins Glycemic Ranking, carbohydrate intake is again increased. The goal is to find level of carbohydrates that can be eaten while maintain the desired body weight.
Atkins Diet – Lifetime Maintenance
Lifetime Maintenance is maintaining the desired body weight while trying different amounts of carbohydrates. Varying the types of carbohydrates to determine how much of each food can be consumed without affecting body weight.
Atkins Diet – Exercise
Walking is one recommended exercise to maintain fitness levels while on the Atkins Diet. Walking is aerobic and will encourage the body to utilize fat for fuel.
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