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Weight Loss Plan Review: The Atkins Diet
Weight Loss Plan Review: The Atkins Diet
Summary: The Atkins Diet weight loss plan is based on a keeping your body in a state of ketosis. Ketosis occurs when the liver excessively converts fat into fatty acids and ketone bodies then used by the body for energy.
The Atkins Diet relies on consuming proteins and fats and limiting carbohydrates to allow the body to enter a natural state of ketosis. The body then begins breaking down fat cells to use as a source of nutrition. Fat and protein will leave you feeling fuller and satisfy your appetite for longer periods of time.
Dr. Robert Atkins, the author and founder, explains the theory behind the Atkins Diet: your body’s main source of energy is from carbohydrates. If you significantly decrease your intake of carbohydrates, it forces your body to utilize your stored fat for energy.
The Atkins Diet Advantage program offers low-carbohydrate pre-packaged foods to make meal planning easy and convenient.
Studies that were conducted on the Atkins Diet for a period of one year showed significant weight loss. Studies are ongoing to determine how the Atkins Diet effects weight over the long term.
The Diet Revolution and the New Diet Revolution, by Dr. Atkins, details the Atkins Diet program in an easy to follow format.
Atkins Diet - Four Phases
The weight loss program is set up into four phases based on the following.
- Induction
- On-going Weight Loss
- Pre-Maintenance
- Lifetime Maintenance
Atkins Diet - Induction
For the induction phase (approximately 2 weeks) carbohydrates are restricted to 20 grams per day. Only leafy, green carbohydrates are allowed. Cheeses, meats, oils and creams are the bulk of this phase. Alcohol and caffeine are not allowed during induction. The ketosis state starts and causes calories to be burnt at a higher rate, usually producing the largest amount of weight loss throughout the diet.
Atkins Diet - On-going Weight Loss
Cheeses, meats, oils and creams are still the main focus of Atkins, but carbohydrates are increased weekly by approximately 5 grams. If there is an increase in weight or weight loss stops, it is advised to decrease your intake of carbohydrates. This phase is continues until you’re within 10 pounds of your desired weight.
Atkins Diet -Pre-Maintenance
Following the Atkins Glycemic Ranking, carbohydrate intake is again increased. The goal is to find level of carbohydrates that can be eaten while maintain the desired body weight.
Atkins Diet - Lifetime Maintenance
Lifetime Maintenance is maintaining the desired body weight while trying different amounts of carbohydrates. Varying the types of carbohydrates to determine how much of each food can be consumed without affecting body weight.
Atkins Diet - Exercise
Walking is one recommended exercise to maintain fitness levels while on the Atkins Diet or any weight loss plan. Walking is aerobic and will encourage the body to utilize fat for fuel.