For those of you who have been hiding under a rock, the Atkins Diet has become one of the most popular diets on the market today. This carbohydrate-reduction diet, and the weight loss that occurs, happens through certain steps that have been provided by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, the creator of the diet that bears his name. The premise behind this diet comes from the idea that overweight people ingest too many carbohydrates. Many believe that the Atkins Diet is the way to solve weight problems that plague many people in the United States.
As I stated above, there are steps that must be completed. There are four steps in the plan; Induction (Phase I), Ongoing Weight Loss (Phase II), Pre-Maintenance (Phase III) and Lifetime Maintenance (Phase IV). However, since a New Year is upon is, I feel that it is important to look at the beginning phase since it will be something that many people will want to research as a part of their New Year’s Resolutions.
Let us take a closer look at the Induction phase and what foods can and cannot be consumed. We will also examine the results that may or may not be experienced.
The Atkins Web site (www.atkins.com) states that induction is a brief, jump-start phase that triggers your body to predominantly burn fats. This phase lasts approximately fourteen days and it is stated that after this initial period, you should see significant results.
During the induction period there are certain foods (listed on the website) that can be eaten. However, please note that some of these foods come with restrictions and you should check your book, website or any number of people that are familiar with the diet. If you are a fan of fish, fowl, shellfish, meat and eggs, then this is a diet for you as all of these things can be eaten liberally. There are also many cheeses that you may find appealing as well as vegetables and salad garnishes to add to your green leafy veggies. The Atkins diet also specifies what drinks you should ingest as well as recommending certain artificial sweeteners. You should stay away from items like bread and potatoes, they are high in carbohydrates.
Although the Atkins website offers many different recipes, I chose to speak to a friend who had gone through the Atkins process. I did find out that she followed the initial meal plans closely to see if the Atkins diet would work well for her. “It is going to be different for everyone, you just have to find out what works for you.”
An example of a days worth of meals are below.
Breakfast Greek omelet: 1/2 cup spinach, 2 ounces feta and 2 eggs
1/2 small tomato; sliced
(7 total net carbohydrates)
Lunch Steak quesadilla: steak slices, one slice Monterey Jack and a low-carb high fiber tortilla
2 cups romaine with olive oil and vinegar
(6 total net carbohydrates)
Dinner Pork Chops with Fresh Mushrooms, Tomatoes and Bell Peppers
1 cup iceberg lettuce with vinaigrette
1/2 cup vanilla low-carb suagr free pudding
(7 total net carbohydrates)
Snack
Sugar-free gelatin
(0 total net carbohydrates)
All of the food should not exceed approximately 20-21 total net carbohydrates. The point system is explained more thoroughly through the information given to potential dieters. If you are choosing to use this diet, please pay attention as consuming too many carbohydrates could limit or eliminate weight loss.
Portions for this diet are clearly laid out in their sample menu, as well as on various other websites that offer low-carbohydrate recipes. Atkins also offers products for purchase for those times when you cannot measure portions. Products range from granola bars, to nutrition bars, shakes and bars that can replace a dessert. Books and software are also available for purchase for those persons who are sure that this is the best fit diet for them.
As always, and as stated by all of the weight loss commercials on television, Please consult a physician before beginning any program. With the popularity of the Atkins diet, your physician should be able to give you the pros and cons or refer you to someone else who would have complete information.
