Our Stone Age ancestors certainly roughed themselves for food. They butchered the kill during the marathon hunt that lasted for days. They wandered for miles to gather wild fruits, grains and nuts. If they wanted to eat something sweet, beehive was smoked out of the bees to get the honey. This was done by climbing up a tree or chopping it down. Hard way to food!

Studies indicate that human beings come into the world with hundreds of genes and associated hormones that regulate the energy-balance equation. Calories consumed by us on one side and calories burned, through physical activity and calories needed to keep the body healthy on the other. Anything left over transforms into body fat.

As a society we are in a state of nutritional crisis and in need of thorough remedies. Today more than 60% of adults in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese.

Many children have become so heavy that pediatricians are now facing an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension—diseases that are closely associated with the overweight and that were unheard of among youngsters just a generation ago.

Kelly Brownell, director of the Yale University Center for Eating and Weight Disorders says “Physical activities have been engineered out of day-to-day life, and the food environment grows worse by the day”.

For those who are overweight, or who have diabetes, the low-calorie and low-fat diets recommended do not work well. In fact, for diabetics, they can actually worsen the condition. The only diet that strikes at the real cause of obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, hypoglycaemia, and type 2 diabetes is a low-carbohydrate diet.

Low carb diets are based on the principle that a diet low in carbohydrates leads to decreased production of body’s insulin, resulting in consumption of fat stores as energy source.

When fat stores in a body are used as main energy source, Ketones (a by-product) are excreted in the urine. Characterized by nail varnish (acetone), smelling breath and causes side effects such as nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite.

There are many different versions of the low carb diet, such as Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution, Protein Power, Neanderthin, The Carbohydrate Addict’s Lifestyle Plan, Life Without Bread, and others. All of them, however, have one thing in common – a very strict reduction in the consumption of carbohydrates. Most low carb diets replace carbohydrates with fats and proteins. Although diets vary in their recommendations, as a general rule, a low carb diet is synonymous with a high-fat and moderate protein diet. Those on a low carb diet should get at least 60 to 70 percent of their daily calorie intake from fat. Carbohydrates should make up less than 10 percent, and in some cases, less than 5 percent of daily calorie intake.

What’s Involved in Low Carb Diet?

A cut on all carbohydrate from the diet and increased protein and fat intake. Cut on things like pasta, bread, rice and alcohol, yet unlimited amounts of meat, cheese and butter are suggested to eat. That’s why sometimes Low Carb Diets claim to be luxurious diets.

More than 30 years ago, Dr. Robert Atkins introduced his low-carb diet, now popularly known as the Atkins Diet. While this low-carb phenomenon has had critics over the years, there are still proponents who live by Dr. Atkins’ dietary plan.

Dr. Atkins introduced his Diet Revolution in 1972 as the diet that would have you never look at dieting the same way again. The Atkins Diet participants dramatically reduce the carbohydrates in their diets and replace them with high-protein foods through four phases: Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss, Pre-Maintenance and Maintenance.

Carbohydrates, Dr. Atkins says, belong in two categories: favorable and non-favorable. When you first begin the Atkins diet, you will cut your carbohydrates drastically and as you move through the four phases, gradually re-introduce favorable carbs.

The Atkins Diet boasts that you’ll be able to continue enjoying foods that most weight-loss methods reject. You’ll start the Atkins Diet in the Induction phase, which is primarily intended for initial weight loss and removal of extraneous carbs. You’ll only be allowed 20 grams of net carbs, this can come from non-starchy vegetables and salads. This phase can last 14 days, although some prefer to extend it to hurry weight loss.

Next you’ll move into the Ongoing Weight Loss Phase. You’ll consume an additional 25 grams of net carbs and this will increase by five grams as weight loss continues.

The third phase is Pre-Maintenance. You’ll begin this stage of the Atkins Diet when you are 5-10 pounds from your goal weight. You’ll increase your net carbs 10 grams per week, as long as you continue to lose the last few pounds.

You’ll then need to learn your ACE (Atkins Carbohydrate Equilibrium), based on maintaining or gaining weight. The ACE will determine the amount of carbs you’ll need to maintain your goal weight during the final Maintenance phase.

Increased protein consumption and removing processed food that your body converts to sugar will help you reach the goals of the Atkins Diet- weight loss and consistent insulin and energy levels during the day. Atkins dieters comment that they remain fuller longer and some studies have shown the added benefits of decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

FOOD & RECIPES

By removing the extra carbs in your diet, and not reducing calories, Atkins allows you to enjoy flavorful favorites like steak, eggs, bacon, cream and butter. Atkins followers are directed to remove white bread, pasta and rice, baked goods and chips. Dr. Atkins’ books and website provide a comprehensive list of Atkins-approved foods.

EXERCISE

Exercise takes center stage in the Atkins plan. Plenty of exercise information and tips can be found at www.atkins.com.

EXPENSE

Atkins has a wide array of food products formulated to their diet philosophy. The plan is also available at eDiets.com for about $5 a week.

PRO

Atkins is known for tasty foods that disregard fat content. So, most carnivores will enjoy it. Don’t think that doesn’t mean that you don’t need plenty of vegetables either!

CON

There’s considerable work involved with the different levels of the plan. Plus, there’s the ever present debate as to whether a high-fat diet is good in the long haul. That said, Atkins isn’t totally about red meat and butter. You can eat leaner protein sources and still adhere to the plan.

CONCLUSION

Atkins is often mislabeled as red meat and more red meat. While it’s allowed, there are plenty of other lean protein sources to choose from. It’s doubtful that most people will follow Atkins for life, but it may be OK if you’re looking for a plan to springboard you into weight loss… just as long as you are willing to consider healthy choices after you’re done.

common misspellings: Atkin Diet, AtkinsDiet, Aktins, Atkns, Atkins Deit

Related articles:

• Atkins Nutritional Program
• Atkins Tips for Success
• How Does Atkins Diet Works?