Atkins Diet Tips Review

Unlike the Zone diet which states specific proportions of carbohydrate, protein and fat (40%-30%-30%), the Atkins diet tips simply limits carbohydrate intake to between 20 and 60 grams per day. Elevated levels of protein and fat consumption are both encouraged.

The Atkins diet tips are similar to other low carb diets in that it splits the diet into phases, which the dieter will adhere to as they progress through the diet. The Atkins diet tips phases are summarized as follows:

Atkins Diet Tips Phase 1 - Induction

This lasts for 14 days (2 weeks). This phase of Atkins Diet tips is designed to induce a state of "ketosis." This means that the body is producing ketones from fat, to be used as a fuel source instead of carbohydrates. Followers of the Atkins diet tips will use "Ketostix" strips (available from a chemist or health store) to detect when their body is in a state of Ketosis. When the body is in this state, weight loss is very rapid.

In this stage of Atkins Diet tips carbohydrates are restricted to no more than 20 grams a day. All fruit is off the menu, as well as the majority of carbohydrate containing vegetables.

Atkins Diet Tips Phase 2 - Ongoing Weight Loss

In this phase of Atkins Diet tips the dieter will slowly increase their consumption of carbohydrates, whilst monitoring the rate at which they're still losing weight. Typically the increase will stretch to about 40 to 50 grams of carbohydrate a day. The dieter is encouraged to monitor how their body is reacting to the diet as they increase the levels of carbohydrates.

The amount of carbohydrates consumed at this stage of the Atkins diet tips have increased, and as such, the food options are more varied than in the first phase.

Atkins Diet Tips Phase 3 - Pre-Maintenance Diet

The dieter will enter this phase of the Atkins diet tips when they are 5 to 10 pounds away from their target weight. Again carbohydrates are being increased to a level called the "Critical Carbohydrate Level for Maintenance" which is determined whilst in Atkins Diet tips Phase 2. In this phase of Atkins Diet tips, weight loss is slowed right down in preparation for the final phase. Less than 1 pound of weight per week is being lost at the end of this phase.

Atkins Diet Tips Phase 4 - Maintenance Diet

This phase of Atkins Diet tips aims to keep the dieter at their target weight for the rest of their life. The dieter will keep carbohydrate intake at a level that they have now learnt will maintain their target weight.

Many people find that by increasing the levels of protein in their diet, they experience lesser craving for food throughout the day. Indeed people often favor the Atkins diet tips because the food options are vast compared to more traditional low calorie diets.

It's clear that the Atkins diet tips has worked for so many people. However, I personally prefer diets that are more selective over what "types" of carbohydrates are consumed, such as the South Beach Diet. The Atkins diet tips has received a bad rap as it encourages dieters to increase their consumption of animal products including red meats which contain saturated fats.

These fats can increase the risk of heart disease and circulatory problems, amongst other things. In comparison to Atkins diet tips, diets such as the Zone diet and the South Beach Diet opt for the "good carbs" (complex carbohydrates) and the "good fats" (unsaturated).

The Atkins diet tips, unlike many other low carb diets, quite heavily restricts what can and can't be eaten - especially in terms of fruit and veg. The Atkins diet tips therefore recommends the use of dietary nutritional supplements in an attempt to combat this problem as well as aiding the dietary process.

Due to the focus on animal products, which normally only contain minute amounts of carbohydrate, vegetarians may find the Atkins diet hard tips to follow.

The Debate On The Atkins Diet Plan

However, it can be difficult to stick with the Atkins diet plan. This is because the temptation to eat carbohydrates and sweets is so great. Friends and relatives can become diet saboteurs, preventing you from achieving the results you’re looking for. In this case, the best defense is a good offense.

This means telling you’re significant others in advance that you’re determined to complete the Atkins diet plan. Inform them that you don’t want to even be offered French fries and potato chips.

The Journal of the American Medical Association has suggested that the Atkins diet plan can be dangerous for children. This is not surprising, considering that young people are still growing and need all the nutrients they can get, whether the vitamins and minerals are from carbohydrates or other sources.

Supporters of Atkins diet plan say that, while children may not benefit from a restriction of vegetables and fruits, they could consume fewer potatoes and breads and still remain healthy.

Some medical experts say that the Atkins diet plan approach is not appropriate for people who already suffer from kidney or liver trouble. Also, because Atkins diet plan reduces the amount of fruits and vegetables an individual consumes, the diet can leave people at greater risk for such problems as cancer and heart disease.

As a result, you should probably check with your family physician before resorting to the Atkins diet plan, or any other low-carb, high-protein diet. It is likely that the Atkins diet plan will remain controversial for the foreseeable future. While it has been proven effective in helping people lose weight, it may also place individuals at a higher risk for serious diseases.

A great deal of additional research needs to be conducted in order to determine if Atkins diet plan is a miracle cure or a medical nightmare. Once more studies are conducted, the long-term effects of Atkins diet plan on the human body may be easier to determine.

If you are generally in good health and have a normal energy level, you might give Atkins diet plan a try. If, however, you suffer from any serious diseases, or are experiencing symptoms such as high blood pressure, you might consider an alternative diet plan. In the end, you, in consultation with your doctor, will have to determine the diet program that’s appropriate in your particular case.