The Atkins diet has provoked a world of controversy since it was first published. The recommendation to eat a high-protein,
low-carbohydrate foods contradicted all the dietary recommendations by established medical institutions. The diet was
denounced as unsafe, especially if used as a life-long weight maintenance plan. Over the past five to ten years, there have
been numerous studies that come down on both sides of the equation, and Atkins last version of the diet included the
admission that calories do matter, and the advice to eat only enough to satisfy hunger.
Following is a typical meal menu for the Atkins food diet plan:
- Portobello and Ricotta Crostini
- Chicken Milanese over Spring Salad
- Lemon Vinaigrette dressing
- Warm Lentils and Celery
- Raspberry Cheesecake in a Cup
This plan:
- contains very low portions of carbohydrates, deriving the majority of carbohydrates from vegetables high in fiber
- is low in carbs, and
- allows unrestricted portions of proteins, including high fat proteins like beef, pork and cheese.
Follow up research on people who have used the Atkins Diet to lose weight show rapid weight loss initially that eventually
levels off. The Atkins Diet has four phases to account for it:
- The Induction Phase, which restricts carbohydrates severely.
- The OWL (Ongoing Weight Loss) Phase, in which you add in limited carbs and tailor the eating
plan to your tastes.
- Pre-maintenance, with ten pounds or less to the target goal, deliberately slows weight loss
to begin adjusting the body to after-weight-loss diet.
- Lifetime Maintenance, a long-term eating plan that emphasizes low carbohydrates
and healthy, long-term eating.
Should you use the Atkins Diet?
While the Atkins Diet food seems on the surface to be directly counter to what is recommended by most medical institutions,
many of the principles are actually the same. Unless you are under the care of a physician for a chronic medical condition
like diabetes, high blood pressure or coronary problems, you can use the plan. Do pay attention to the portions recommended
in the menus and plans, despite the reassurances that you can 'eat all the food you want and still lose weight.'
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