The Atkins Method: Is it Right for You?

Over the years, the Atkins plan has become synonymous with
weight loss. Fans of the program say that it has proven to be
instrumental in helping them to shed unwanted pounds. They talk
of improved overall health and greater energy as a result of the
Atkins program. However, critics maintain that Atkins could lead
to heart damage, making it an unhealthy diet.

Supporters of Atkins say just about anyone can slim down using
their program. However, there are certain people that are most
likely to benefit from the Atkins plan. These include yo-yo
dieters, who find themselves losing weight, only to gain it back
again; dieters who feel constantly hungry; and those who eat for
emotional reasons. Binge eaters and constant snackers can also
benefit from the Atkins program. In addition, those who suffer
from a food addiction are prime candidates for Atkins.

Atkins relies heavily on proteins and fats, along with
carbohydrates that are rich in nutrients. The idea is to
strictly reduce the amount of non-nutritious carbohydrates you
consume. The theory behind this is that, when carbs are
restricted, you end up burning fat rather than glucose. In
addition, it has been shown that, all things being equal, you
will lose more fat with Atkins than with other types of weight
loss plans.

The Atkins plan is divided into four stages. During the initial
stage, your body moves from burning carbohydrates to burning
fats. You should also be able to kick the sugar habit during
this stage. During the second stage, your weight loss will
accelerate, but you will also be able to eat larger portions of
vegetables. In the third stage, known as pre-maintenance, you
will continue to add more foods to the mix. The final stage
involves lifetime maintenance. During this phase, you can
continue to fight food addictions, maintain your goal weight,
and decrease the chance that you will suffer from diabetes.

However, it can be difficult to stick with the Atkins plan.
This is because the temptation to eat carbohydrates and sweets
is so great. Friends and relatives can become diet saboteurs,
preventing you from achieving the results you’re looking for. In
this case, the best defense is a good offense. This means
telling your significant others in advance that you’re
determined to complete the Atkins program. Inform them that you
don’t want to even be offered French fries and potato chips.

The Journal of the American Medical Association has suggested
that the Atkins plan can be dangerous for children. This is not
surprising, considering that young people are still growing and
need all the nutrients they can get, whether the vitamins and
minerals are from carbohydrates or other sources. Supporters of
Atkins say that, while children may not benefit from a
restriction of vegetables and fruits, they could consume fewer
potatoes and breads and still remain healthy.

Some medical experts say that the Atkins approach is not
appropriate for people who already suffer from kidney or liver
trouble. Also, because Atkins reduces the amount of fruits and
vegetables an individual consumes, the diet can leave people at
greater risk for such problems as cancer and heart disease. As a
result, you should probably check with your family physician
before resorting to the Atkins plan, or any other low-carb,
high-protein diet.

It is likely that the Atkins plan will remain controversial for
the foreseeable future. While it has been proven effective in
helping people lose weight, it may also place individuals at a
higher risk for serious diseases. A great deal of additional
research needs to be conducted in order to determine if Atkins
is a miracle cure or a medical nightmare. Once more studies are
conducted, the long-term effects of Atkins on the human body may
be easier to determine.

If you are generally in good health and have a normal energy
level, you might give Atkins a try. If, however, you suffer from
any serious diseases, or are experiencing symptoms such as high
blood pressure, you might consider an alternative diet plan. In
the end, you, in consultation with your doctor, will have to
determine the diet program that’s appropriate in your particular
case.

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