The Evolution of the Atkins Diet?

Answer 1

The low-carbohydrate Atkins Diet has been reworked based upon the mountains of research being conducted on how to eat more healthfully for weight loss and disease prevention or management. The new diet boasts more flexibility so that dieters aren’t given a strict “black or white” food list, but can make the meal plans fit into their current lifestyle, yet still achieve results.

Back in 1972, Dr. Robert Atkins founded the four-phase Atkins diet that stressed high protein, high fat, and minimal carbohydrate intake. Many of the foods that have proven time and time again to have health benefits were essentially banned in the original concept of the diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Dr. Atkins first revised the diet program in 2002 with the issue of “The New Diet Revolution”, where some of the inaccuracies of the original plan were explained, such as the inclusion of more plant-based foods particularly once weight loss had been achieved.

The latest edition, called “The New Atkins for a New You”, obviously written and printed after Dr. Atkins died but maintaining much of his original premises, is further dispelling the belief that the diet is all fat and no carb. “If there is one thing to disprove, it’s the myth that vegetables are not included on Atkins,” says one of the authors. “That’s just not true. On a day-to-day basis, we want people to eat four to five servings of them regardless of the phase.”

Another misinterpretation that will hopefully be put to rest is that Atkins is all fatty burgers and pork chops. “There was a misunderstanding that you could eat as much protein as you wanted and people who didn’t know how the diet worked would just gorge themselves.” In fact, the new version of the diet allows vegetarians and vegans to gain weight loss benefits without being forced to eat animal meats.

The new diet still bans sugar and refined flours, including white bread, foods floured or breaded before frying, and sweets and treats. However, most diet plans, whether for weight loss or overall good health, advise against these foods anyway in favor of more whole grains in a moderate portion size.

When choosing a diet plan for weight loss, remember the basics for good health:

Ensure that the diet does not dip below 1200 calories per day, unless recommended by a physician. Very Low Calorie Diets (VLCDs) may produce a more rapid weight loss at first, but it almost always eliminates essential vitamins and minerals, and most people, after stopping the diet and returning to a more normal way of eating, often regain the weight.

Use a diet plan that can easily be followed day-in and day-out forever. “Dieting” for three months and then returning to the same poor health and lifestyle factors because it is “too hard” is not an effective method for keeping of the pounds.

Whether the diet is low-carb or low-fat, remember that calories in must be less than calories out for effective weight loss. This means that any healthful weight loss plan must include an increase in physical activity for the best results.

Don’t be swayed by advertising. A 100-calorie pack of Chocolate Chip Cookies may be better than downing an entire package, but the key is to start making more healthful choices overall. Low fat products usually have added sugar, and low-sugar snacks often have added fats, particularly trans fats. Go for natural whole foods instead, such as fruits and vegetables.

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