 | Current customer? Log In |
 |
 | Search Departments
More Ways to Shop
Free Catalog
Newsletter Sign Up
Weekly health news, sale announcements and coupons!
|
|
Library Home
> Special Diets > Atkins Diet
ATKINS DIETVisit The Healthy Living Bookshelf:
View Our Related Product Sections:
The Atkins Diet is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate weight loss diet developed by Robert Atkins, M.D., during the 1960s. In the early 1990s, Dr. Atkins brought his diet back into the nutrition spotlight with the publication of his best-selling book Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution. The Atkins Diet severely restricts the consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods and encourages the consumption of protein and fat. The diet is divided into four phases: Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss, Premaintenance, and Maintenance. During the Induction phase (the first 14 days of the diet), carbohydrate intake is limited to no more than 20 grams per day. No fruit, bread, grains, starchy vegetables, or dairy products (except cheese, cream, and butter) are allowed during this phase. During the Ongoing Weight Loss phase, dieters experiment with various levels of carbohydrate consumption until they determine the most liberal level of carbohydrate intake that allows them to continue to lose weight. Dieters are encouraged to maintain this level of carbohydrate intake until their weight loss goals are met. During the Premaintenance and Maintenance phases, dieters determine the level of carbohydrate consumption that allows them to maintain their weight. To prevent weight regain, dieters are told to maintain this level of carbohydrate consumption, perhaps for the rest of their lives. According to Dr. Atkins, most people must limit their carbohydrate intake to no more than 60 grams per day to keep lost weight off. Note: The dietary recommendations issued by various organizations, including the United States Department of Agriculture, the National Institutes of Health, and the American Heart Association, encourage a daily carbohydrate intake of approximately 300 grams. In addition to the dietary restrictions discussed above, Dr. Atkins recommends regular exercise and nutritional supplementation as part of his weight loss program. Why do people follow this diet?The Atkins Diet is attractive to dieters who have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight on low-fat, low-calorie diets. Atkins dieters can eat as many calories as desired from protein and fat, as long as carbohydrate consumption is restricted. As a result, many Atkins dieters are spared the feelings of hunger and deprivation that accompany other weight loss regimens.  What do the advocates say?The underlying premise of the Atkins Diet is that diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates cause weight gain, and ultimately lead to obesity. Such diets increase the production of insulin (a hormone secreted by the pancreas). When insulin levels are high, the food we eat is quickly and easily converted into fat, and stored in our cells. By restricting the consumption of carbohydrates, the production of insulin is moderated. In addition, the lack of available carbohydrate (the body’s preferred fuel source) forces the body to burn stored fat as energy. Dr. Atkins and his colleagues at The Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine in New York have used this diet to treat patients with obesity, as well as non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), high cholesterol and triglycerides, and elevated blood pressure. However, no proper scientific trials have been conducted to support the ability of the Atkins diet to treat people with any of these diseases. What do the critics say?Many nutrition experts disagree with the basic premise of the Atkins Diet—the notion that high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets cause obesity. For evidence of the implausibility of the Atkins Diet, some nutritionists point out that the traditional Japanese diet is very high in carbohydrates, low in protein, and very low in fat; however, before the introduction of high-fat and high-protein Western foods, being overweight was rare in Japan. Such findings make sense because ounce for ounce, carbohydrates contain far fewer calories than do fats. These critics blame the overconsumption of calories (from any source) and lack of physical activity as the primary causes of obesity. Critics also express concern about the impact of the Atkins Diet on the overall health of the dieter. Depending on the foods chosen by the dieter, the diet may contain a large amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, putting those at risk for heart disease in danger. Recent research has found that high-protein diets speed up the progression of atherosclerosis, the main cause of heart attacks. Moreover, contrary to Atkins’ claims, extremely low-fat diets have been found to partially reverse heart disease. In addition, the lack of grains, fruits, and vegetables in the Atkins Diet may lead to deficiencies of key nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamin C, folic acid, and several minerals. Finally, high protein diets may increase the risk of osteoporosis and accelerate the rate of deterioration in kidney function associated with aging. Critics concede that Atkins dieters often experience significant weight loss during the initial stages of the diet. However, these critics argue that the diet has a diuretic effect and that the initial weight loss is due to water loss, not fat loss. Eventually the body restores its water and sodium balance, and the rate of weight loss declines. Critics also note that there is no evidence showing that the Atkins diet leads to greater weight loss than do other diets that provide more carbohydrates, yet the same number of calories. Are there any groups or books associated with this diet?Dr. Atkins has written several books on the Atkins Diet, including: Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution. Thorndike, ME: G.K. Hall, 2000. Dr. Atkins’ Age-Defying Diet Revolution. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2000. Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Cookbook. New York: M. Evans and Company, 1997. Dr. Atkins’ New Carbohydrate Gram Counter: More than 1200 Brand-name and Generic Foods Listed with Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat Contents. New York: M. Evans and Company, 1996. Dr. Atkins’ Vita-Nutrient Solution: Nature’s Answer To Drugs. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1999. Official web site for the Atkins Diet The American Dietetics Association web site provides information on
eating healthy BibliographyAtkins, RC. Dr. Atkins’ New Diet Revolution (revised and updated). New York: Avon Books, 1999. Stein, Karen. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets: Do they work? J Am Diet Assoc 2000;100:760–761. Gould KL, Ornish D, Scherwitz L, et al. Changes in myocardial perfusion abnormalities by positron emission tomography after long-term, intense risk factor modification. JAMA 1995;274:894–901. Fleming RM, Boyd LB. The effect of high-protein diets on coronary blood flow. Angiology 2000;51:817–26. |
|
|
|
|
| Ordering Help | Shipping & Returns | Have Questions? | Other Services |
 |
Order By Phone 1-800-439-5506
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. MotherNature.com is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices.
Please see our Terms of Use
Copyright © 1995-2008 Mother Nature, Inc. All rights reserved.