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Atkins
Diet - The Protein Theory
The
Atkins Diet is probably the most well known Protein
Diet. It first appeared back in the early 70s.
The Atkins Diet claims you can eat all the protein
and fat that you care to and still lose weight. You
just need to cut out the carbohydrates to become thin.
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The
diet plan allows unlimited amounts of protein, including meats,
eggs and cheese, and severely limits carbohydrate foods such
as pasta, bread and fruit.
How
the Atkins Diet Works
This
diet states that we can change our metabolism and lose weight
easily, by eating foods high in protein and fat and limiting
foods high in carbohydrate. Over-consumption of carbohydrates
causes overproduction of insulin, Dr Atkins explains, leading
to increased hunger and weight gain. Carbohydrates are limited
to only 15 to 60 grams per day, while protein and fat are
highly encouraged.
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Choose
Your Diet Program:
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Find
a Weight Loss Program
Customized for Your Body:
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Upsides
of the Atkins Diet
Many
people like being able to eat as much protein and fat as they
wish, since these foods are often restricted in more traditional
diet plans
For people who have tried a low-fat, high-carbohydrate weight
loss plan without success, increasing protein in their diet
often results in decreased food cravings and rapid weight
loss. This diet is relatively easy to follow and there are
no complicated meal plans
Downsides
of the Atkins Diet
Any diet
that limits carbohydrate causes the body to rely on fat or
muscle for energy, and may cause dehydration. When our body
breaks down stored fat to supply energy, it creates a by-product
called ketones. These by-products suppress appetite, yet they
also cause fatigue and nausea. Anyone with diabetes, heart,
or kidney problems should not follow a diet that promotes
the formation of ketones, including the Atkins plan
Special
Note: Eating unlimited amounts of fat, especially,
saturated fat found in meat products, can lead to an increased
risk of heart disease
Foods
typically allowed in Atkins Diet
Steak
Bacon (limited to two slices)
Pork chops
Fish
Lamb
Chicken
Nuts and seeds (1 to 2 ounces)
Eggs |
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Cheese (limited to 3 ounces)
Regular high-fat salad dressing
Olive oil and other vegetable oils
Butter
Three to four cups of vegetables such as lettuces (endive,
radicchio), asparagus, snow peas, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower
and peppers
Beverages such as water, club soda, cream (limited
to 2 or 3 tablespoons a day), decaffeinated coffee or tea
Fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, melons and
peaches
Foods
Eliminated in Atkins Diet
Sweets (candy, cake, cookies)
Potatoes
Rice
Pasta
Cereals
Crackers
Breads (whole grains, French)
Some vegetables such as peas and corn
Fruits such as bananas, apples, raisins, figs and papayas
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