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Facts
You Should Know
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Although the very
popular book Atkins' plan is presented in is called Dr. Atkins' New
Diet Revolution, the diet isn't new at all. Atkins published his
ketogenic diet plan in the early 70's. According to "The Atkins Diet -
Is it for Real?" Atkins was called to testify in front of the senate
about his diet in 1973 after the American Medical Association questioned
the plan's safety.
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A plus of The Atkins
Diet is that exercise is recommended. Any diet that doesn't include
exercise in its recommendations will probably not be effective and does
not encourage health lifestyle change.
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After you have lost
weight, you can't go back to eating carbs with abandon. Dr. Atkins
virtually promises that anyone who returns to over-eating high-carb
foods like pizza or desserts will gain back all weight they lost on the
plan.
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Some nutritionists (Hemmelgarn)
and health experts contend that ketosis results in too-rapid, unhealthy
levels of weight loss and that the loss consists of lean body mass and
water.
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Regardless of which
diet you go on, whether it be Atkins or Weight Watchers, diet experts
agree that it is calorie reduction (not types of food eaten or not
eaten) that results in weight loss.
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People who suffer
from gout, kidney conditions, type I diabetes or pregnant women should
not go on Atkins (Warrick).
The Bottom Line
Remember, you should never start a diet without first talking to your
doctor. This is especially true with a diet like Atkins because it is so
stringent and is most likely a very significant change from your normal
eating habits. Additionally, some research has indicated that this type of
diet may endanger the kidneys, result in dehydration, or lead to other
health problems. Ask for an alternate diet if your doctor dissuades you
from trying Atkins.
It's very difficult to
lose the "diet mentality" and it's very easy to hope for and seek out a
"quick fix"; since weight loss occurs so rapidly on Atkins, this diet
seems like one. However, if you want your results to be long-term you need
to ask yourself an important question: Are you committed to limiting your
carbs for good? If not, then this plan probably isn't for you, because
even as Atkins himself states, returning to your previous eating habits
will bring the weight back.
If you find that
Atkins is not for you, you may be averse to the type of foods you are
eating. That's fine -- some people simply can't tolerate eating a certain
type of foods, and others feel deprived if their favorites are eliminated.
If you don't feel happy and satisfied with a particular plan, it's time to
find an alternative.
If you prefer to include a fair amount of carbs in
your diet, a low-fat diet like the one recommended by The Food Guide
Pyramid or the eating plan encouraged by
Weight Watchers may be better-suited for your
preferences. Keep trying and you will find the way that works for you!
Weight Loss - Go to Part 1 of the Atkins Diet
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is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply the
approval or recommendation by Weightloss.ms .
Always
consult a medical professional before significantly modifying your diet or
beginning an exercise program. |
