The popular Atkins Diet was created by Dr. Robert Atkins back in the early 70’s and around 2003, the diet became so widely popular that many people, many restaurants and many companies started to offer menus that were low in carbs. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 25 million Americans are on a low carb diet during any given period.

There are many diets which focus on metabolic theories and the Atkins Diet believes that obesity is caused by refined carbohydrates such as sugar, flour and high-fructose corn syrup. The second is due to saturated fat and trans fats.

But of course, the diet is not exactly the easiest as the normal consumption of carbohydrates is around 180-300 grams. With the first phase of the Atkins Diet, people must restrict the carbohydrate intake to 20 grams and the selection of foods that can be eaten in the first two weeks alone may deter quite a bit of people.

For the Atkins Diet, there are a total of four phases.

The first phase of the Atkins Diet is known as the “Induction” period. This is the strict phase of the diet where people can only consume no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day. During the first two weeks, participants must not neat any milk, fruits, grains, cereals, breads or any foods high on the “Glycemic Index” such as potatoes, peas, corn or carrots. Dr. Atkins has provided a listing of food in his books of which people must follow.

Food that are allowed in phase 1 are low carb vegetables, low-fat cottage cheese, cold water fish, extra virgin olive oil and drink 8 cups of water a day.

Then after two weeks of weight loss, the second phase known as “Ongoing Weight Loss” allows for foods in Dr. Atkins list to increase to 5 additional grams and more vegetables.

In phase III titled “Pre-Maintenance”, 10 additional grams of carbs can be added per day. Of course, this is when people are nearer to reaching their targeted weight goals.

In phase IV known as the “maintenance” phase, it is expected that people at this time know what to eat and can live a normal life eating healthy and keep on their current diet that maintains weight. Gain weight, then cut the amount of grams for carbs.

Cons of the Atkins Diet

The American Cancer Society thinks differently. In fact, their research has shown that nearly 33-50% of cancers can be prevented from a healthy diet. Studies have shown that cancer prevention can be done by high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. High intake of fat, red means lead to cancer. The Atkins Diet is the opposite of the American Cancer Society studies which prevents certain fruits and vegetables in its diet but for most diets, they promote the consumption of it.

Fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals which are known to help prevent chronic diseases such as illness, cancer and disease.

Atkins Diet Pros

Studies done on the Atkins diet versus a standard low-fat, low-calorie diet featured on the New England Journal of Medicine and Annals of Internal Medicine have shown that several heart disease indicators have improved with those who participated form the Atkins Diet.

So, whether or not you follow Atkins or not, it has shown that it helped people. If it’s for you, just remember to contact your physician before undergoing any diet. Especially if you have been diagnosed with a health condition.

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