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How the Atkins Diet Works
by Callie Armstrong
The Atkins diet is designed to be a lifetime weight management program, it is suitable (but not restricted) to those who prefer eating animal protein. The diet is an effective and safe alternative for people who have failed on a low-fat diet. This diet encourages you to eliminate sugar from your diet as this contributes to a slower metabolism, eaters are allowed plenty of fat and protein instead.
There are four phases to the Atkins diet:
*Phase 1 (Induction) you restrict carbohydrate consumption to 20 grams each day, obtaining carbohydrate primarily from salad and other non-starchy vegetables.
*Phase 2 (Ongoing Weight Loss), you increase carbohydrate in the form of nutrient-dense and fibre-rich foods by 20 grams daily in the first week and then 30 grams daily in the next week until you gradually lose weight. Then you subtract 5 grams of carbohydrate from your daily intake so that you continue sustained weight loss.
*Phase 3, known as Pre-Maintenance, you make the transition from weight loss to weight maintenance by increasing the daily carbohydrate intake in 10 gram increments each week.
*Phase 4 (Lifetime Maintenance), you select from a wide variety of foods while controlling carbohydrate intake to ensure weight maintenance.
Diet experts assert that it is too early to adopt this low-carb diet, however they do concede that it is worth exploring. One main criticism of the Atkins diet is that it does entail frequent meat consumption, this means high protein intake that pose risks of illnesses. On the other hand, followers argue that the program is suited for different preferences and metabolisms. After the first phase (known a which loads one on high protein intake, increasing the Induction phase) the Atkins diet plan can be modified.
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Callie Armstrong is a writer for http://www.AllergyHero.com. Her insights on dieting, exercise and health can be read at http://www.body4beach.com
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