The Atkins Diet
Dr. Robert Atkins and the Atkins Diet
Topics
a) Origin
b) What is the Atkins Diet?
c) The Atkins Diet Food Source
e) Beneficial or Harmful?
Origin
The Atkins Diet was created by cardiologist Dr. Robert Atkins. In his book ‘Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution’ which was published in 1972, the Atkins Diet is based on Dr. Atkins’ theory that if a person who is overweight, consumes foods high in fats and proteins, and reduce the amount of carbohydrates in their diet, these individuals will lose weight.
What is the Atkins Diet?
In the ‘modern’ era of weight loss, there exists a ‘universal’ theory that in order to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle, individuals should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, protein, fish, and carbohydrates. All foods contain calories that is broken down by the body to be used as fuel which is an essential function of the body. If we consume more calories than the body needs, the excess calories is converted into fat which is stored in the body to be used later by the body. Weight gain occurs if the unused fat that is stored by the body is not used.
The Atkins Diet is based on the principal that by eating foods very high in fat and protein, and reducing the amount of carbohydrates, the body will be able to burn the excess fat into energy.
The Atkins Diet Food Source
The food source of the Atkins Diet consists mainly of large portions of fish, eggs, proteins, cheeses, dairy products and red meats. The following are some of the foods that are not allowed on the Atkins Diet, as they are high in sugar content:-
White rice
White flour
Cakes
Pastas
Breads
The 4 Phases of the Atkins Diet
The Atkins Diet consists of 4 Phases:
Atkins Diet Phase One – Introduction
Phase One the Introduction phase lasts for 14 days and is the most restrictive phase. Individuals lose the majority of their weight during this phase. The majority of the foods allowed during Phase One of the Atkins Diet will consist mainly of fats and proteins and very minimal carbohydrates (about 20 grams) per day, as the body will now be converting the excess fat and proteins consumed into fuel for the body.
The following list of foods can be eaten during Phase One of the Atkins Diet:-
Meats
Fish
Eggs
Cheese
Butter
Fats and Oils
Other carbohydrates:- Salads and vegetables are allowed but only 20 grams a day.
The following foods are not allowed:-
Refined Sugar
White Bread
Pasta
Potatoes
White Rice
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