The Atkins Diet

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“The Atkins Diet,” a high protein, high fat, low-carbohydrate diet was introduced in 1972 by Dr. Robert C. Atkins, MD. Dr. Atkins believed that a diet high in sugar forced the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin, causing the body to store calories as fat. He believed that if we consumed fewer carbohydrates, then our bodies would produce less insulin. By doing so, our bodies would use stored fat for energy, resulting in weight loss. (1) “The Atkins Diet” consists of four phases. The first phase, referred to as the “Induction Phase,” lasts for a period of two weeks. During this phase, the dieter has to severely restrict their carbohydrate intake to twenty grams per day. This restriction is necessary for the body to enter ketosis. While in ketosis, the body shifts its primary energy source to fat rather than its preferred energy source from carbohydrates. This results in high levels of ketone bodies in the tissues and body fluids, including the blood and urine. Due to the limited amount of carbohydrates allowed, this phase proves to be the most difficult part of the diet for most people to follow. After a while though, the dieter’s blood sugar stabilizes, and their cravings for sugar decline. The second phase of the diet is called the “On Going Weight Loss Phase“. During this phase, the dieter gradually increases their carbohydrates by five grams per day until weight loss stops. Once the weight loss stops, the dieter then reduces their carbohydrate levels again, usually between twenty-five to fifty grams per day, until their weight loss continues. This phase will continue until the dieter reaches their weight loss goal. The third phase, called the “Pre-Maintenance Phase“, allows the dieter to... ... middle of paper ... ...s_2.htm (5) Atkins Diet Meal Plans. (6/18/2010) (6) Atkins Diet Food List. (6/18/2010) (7) Exercise. (6/18/2010) (8) Supplements. (6/18/2010) (9) Atkins Diet Menu Plan. (6/21/2010) (10) The Atkins Diet. (6/21/2010) (11) The Ketogenic Diet. (6/21/2010) (12) Pros and Cons. (6/25/2010) (13) Fatigue. (6/25/2010) (14) Atkins Diet. (6/26/2010)

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