The following information should, in no way, be considered a recommendation or an endorsement!! This is simply a page giving information on the Atkin's Diet. If you are considering going on a diet seek the advice of your physician and/or a nutritionist first. Always remember that your health and personal safety come first!
The Atkin's Approach
The first step in the Atkin's diet is to restrict your carbohydrate intake to 20 grams a day for the first couple of weeks. This basically means that your only source of carbs is coming from salad and non-starchy vegetables. The next step is to increase the carbohydrate allowance to 25 grams a day for the first week and then increase the allowance by 5 grams each week until your weight loss stops. Once this happens decrease your carbohydrate intake by 5 grams and then sustain it there to continue moderate weight loss. The next step is to move from moderate to gradual weight loss by increasing your carbohydrate intake by 10 grams each week. You are only to do this as long as you are still maintaining gradual weight loss. In the end you can pick from a wide variety of foods as long as you pay attention to your carb intake.
Idea Behind the Approach
A person who is following the Atkin's Diet is in ketosis. Ketosis is when a person's body has a low-level of carbohydrates and the body starts to release ketones. The idea is that the more ketones a person releases the more fat is being dissolved.
Pitfalls of the Diet
The Atkin's Diet does have draw backs. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), deliberately including ketosis can lead to muscle breakdown, dehydration, headaches, nausea, and kidney problems. The American Heart Association has also stated that high-protein diets may be associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease. Diets high in protein that are severely limited in carbohydrates, food choices unfortunately become restrictive and overall nutrient adequacy and long-term palatability will also be a source of concern.