The Atkins diet Plan breakfast can usually composed of eggs strips of bacon and
coffee. A snack might include coffee with cream, and chunks of cheese. A huge
steak fried in butter could be dinner. Doesn't this sound really good? It seems
very tempting but there is a catch.
In the beginning you will have to give up most carbs, such as breads, potatoes,
pasta, rice and other things like chocolate, cake, some fruits. In theory, when
carbs are eliminated from the diet, the body burns stored fat. Weight loss is
quicker because fat burns more calories than carbs.
Stable blood sugar levels help you to feel fuller thereby damping your appetite.
The Induction is the first phase of the Atkins diet, which you follow for at least two
weeks. Only 20 grams of carbs a day, but you can eat lots of red meat, chicken,
fish, eggs cream and butter. That you want.
During this phase, your body learns to burn fat and not carbs. The ongoing
weight loss phase is the second stage. Add 5 grams of carbs a day until you get
to your critical carbohydrate level for losing weight. How many carbs can YOU
eat and still lose between 1 and 3 pounds a week? Bread, pasta rice and
potatoes are still taboo.
The pre-maintenance or third phase is started when you have only 5-10 pounds
left to lose in order to reach your goal weight. Yes! Now you get to add 10 grams
a day for one week, to your carb intake, to help your body adjust to the addition of
carbs to your diet, and to the final phase of the diet.
Lifetime maintenance, phase 4, teaches you ways to stay motivated. Your carb
intake is limited to 90 grams in a day. You will be eating low carbs for the rest of
your life. Some doctors have expressed concern about the long tern effects of
the Atkins and other low carb plans.
High saturated fat consumption may cause an increased risk of heart disease.
The lack of certain nutrients in this diet could cause future health problems. The
limited intake of calcium could possibly put you at risk for Osteoporosis. The low
antioxidant nutrients could lead to cancer, heart disease and premature aging.
The Atkins diet is boring in the Induction phase. Vegetarians have a hard time
with Atkins, particularly in the early stages, due to the limited amount of
vegetables, nuts seeds and beans. The Atkins diet presents an image of good
health from a proper diet. Some are concerned that once you go off the diet the
weight comes back quickly.
The very low carbs in this diet could cause ketosis which can be dangerous for
diabetics. The high cholesterol of this diet may cause constipation and heart
disease because of the high fat content. This diet, low in fruits and veggies is
consequently low in antioxidants that fight cancer. The Atkins plan is that it's not
intended for long term use and has serious side effects.
The Atkins Plan works, it is that simple. Weight loss is rapid and you can eat as
much protein and fat, as you would like. The carbs eliminated by the Atkins diet
can cause a loss of antioxidants which are known to prevent some cancers.
This high fat, high protein diet can increase the risk of elevated cholesterol and
heart disease. This Diet really works, although some believe you can't stay on it
long term. If you go off the diet or cheat , you will begin to re-gain the weight.
Once you start eating a more normal diet the initial weight loss will return.
As with any diet check with a physician-to make sure you are healthy to begin
with. The Atkins diet, some believe, is not for long term use and that it poses
some serous health risks. If you are overweight, you are already at risk for heart
disease and other health problems, and Atkins could increase those risks.
About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice on a variety of subjects. For more information on
Atkins diet plan or
Low carb diet plans, drop by the website. His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.
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