Atkins Diet - The Protein Theory

The Atkins Diet is probably the most well known Protein Diet. It first appeared back in the early 70’s. 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.

The diet plan allows unlimited amounts of protein, including meats, eggs and cheese, and severely limits carbohydrate foods such as pasta, bread and fruit.

The Program

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.

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

• 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