What is the Atkins Diet?

Diets come and go in cycles, but few dietary programs have enjoyed the popularity of the Atkins Diet, or the Atkins Nutritional Approach. The highly controversial diet reached its peak in popularity during 2003 and 2004. It was developed by Dr. Robert Atkins for his own personal weight problems. His formula evolved after reading an article on weight control in the American Medical Association Journal.

The Atkins Diet is a regimen that is highly concentrated in proteins and meats, restricting the amount of total carbohydrate intake. The purpose is to reverse the balance of caloric intake and output by forcing the body to burn fat cells as caloric energy sources, medically known as a state of ketosis. As like any other diet, there are advantages and disadvantages. It is a weight-loss program that may not be for all dieters. Continue reading

The Atkins Diet: List of Approved and Banned Foods

The famous Atkins diet, developed by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, is based on following a high protein diet that is nearly void of carbohydrates. Only 20 grams of carbohydrates are allowed each day. Though it is a very controversial diet, the Atkins weight loss plan works for everyone and anyone who sticks with it. It is often not recommended for long term weight loss since it is rather extreme. However, it should be noted that some people have reported improved overall health from following the Atkins diet. Continue reading

How Does the Atkins Diet Plan Work?

The controversial Atkins Diet is a strict, low carbohydrate regiment that many dieters use as a method to lose weight. Dr. Robert C. Atkins is credited with this weight loss eating plan. While the health merits of the diet are debatable, there is little doubt that people do lose weight if they stick to the guidelines.

This diet is based on the premise that carbohydrates make people fat. Energy is produced in the human body by burning fat and carbohydrates. The way the Atkins Diet works is that our body burns fat in the absence of carbohydrates to burn. So by limiting a dieter’s carbohydrate intake, fat is burned and weight is lost. Continue reading