Advantages and disadvantages of the Atkins diet

The Atkins diet is one of the most popular low-carb diets on the market today. Its popularity has led to dozens of look-a-like diets that focus on the same principles of high-protein, low-carb eating. There are many fish in the sea when it comes to choosing a low carb diet.

Studies have shown that low-carb diets have many advantages. There are scientific results that low-carb diets such as Atkins do cause significant weight loss without the need to reduce calories. People using the Atkins diet have also reported this. There are studies that show that eating low carbs improves triclycerides, lowers blood glucose for diabetics and pre-diabetics, and increases good cholesterol (HDL). Low carbohydrate diet has been scientifically proven to improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and lower blood insulin levels. Compared to low-fat diets, low-carb diets lose less muscle mass.

Although not scientifically proven, there are many common benefits reported by Atkins dieters and other low-carb diets. These include an increase in energy, a reduced need for sweets, better concentration, a better mood, and a reduction in the symptoms of the depression type.

However, there are also some benefits specific to the Atkins diet. If you have been on a low-fat diet in recent years, you will enjoy eating all those forbidden foods that you once had to go without. Steak, butter, and cream are an integral part of Atkins meals. There is a certain pleasure in eating foods that were once prohibited. Atkins dieters are encouraged to eat their rich meats, cheeses and fats and oils.

Atkins is also easy to use, compared to some other low-carb diets on the market. There are some basic foods you should learn, but after that you are free to eat from the acceptable dietary lists.

Dr. Atkins also placed emphasis on finding your own personal carbohydrate levels. Different people have different levels of carbohydrate tolerance. While some people only gain 90 grams of carbs a day, others can live comfortably with 120 grams of carbs. During the ongoing weight loss and pre-maintenance phase of the diet, you will learn to count your personal carbohydrate level, which will help determine your carbohydrate target for life.

The popularity of Atkins is a double-edged sword for dieters. There is a lot of information available about the diet, making it easy to find resources and support. There are many, many Atkins books written and endless websites offering tips and group support. However, everyone has heard of Atkins and probably has an opinion about it. There are some big misconceptions about the nature of the diet and you will undoubtedly have to defend your new way of eating from time to time.

There are some other minimal drawbacks of using the Atkins program. You need to count the carbohydrates in everything you eat to make sure you stay within your personal carbohydrate range. There is also the issue of Induction, the most heated discussion aspect of the plan. Induction can be difficult to get through if you have had a diet focused on carbohydrates and sugar. Also, many people try Induction and mistakenly believe that this is the way the whole diet will be. They end up quitting before they get to the actual Atkins plan.

Sometimes, although it's not common, people will experience a carb crash on the 3rd to 5th day of the diet. This reaction is due to the fact that their bodies finally experience ketosis, or that they are running on fat instead of carbohydrates. The effects are transient, but many people have a low carb sworn into their diet.

Overall, Atkins, with its small drawbacks, is one of the most popular low-carb diets. It works. Thousands of people have had success with the Atkins approach to low-carb lifestyles.