7 Things You Should Know about Atkins Diet ...

The Atkins Diet has been around for ages, and love it or loathe it, there are loads of celebrities and everyday people who've tried with and lost weight. But lately the Atkins Diet has gotten a bad rap, and fallen a little in popularity. Do you know why? How much do you know about the Atkins Diet? If you're considering it, read on. Here are 7 things you should know about the Atkins Diet.

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It Will Help You Lose Weight... at First

As with almost any diet, the Atkins Diet will help you lose weight almost immediately. Why? Because your body will begin any diet by shedding water weight.

It's All about Carbs

Here's where the Atkins Diet differs from most other diets — most other diets promote healthy eating habits, i.e., smaller portions, fewer “empty” calories, more fresh fruits and veggies. But on the Atkins Diet, it's all about restricting carbs... REALLY restricting carbs. A double-cheeseburger with bacon is fine... as long as you don't eat the bun. Say what?

It's Unhealthy in the Long-term

You need about 150 grams of carbohydrates per day for your body to function properly, so obviously, restricting your carbs to a level behind that is unhealthy in the long-term. Furthermore, a diet high in food that's LOW in carbs is going to be high in cholesterol, which can lead to a range of long-term, chronic health problems, many of which are also suffered by people who are overweight. In other words, you may obtain a healthy weight, but you won't be healthy.

One Word: Ketosis

This is the “trick” of the Atkins Diet: ketosis. It's the process the diet encourages, restricting the carbs your body usually needs to function, forcing it to feed on stores of fat for energy. Sounds good, but remember, your body needs those carbs, too!

There Are Some Icky Side Effects

Be warned: following the Atkins Diet can cause REALLY bad breath and constipation, among other things. If you think about it, it makes sense. Fiber, needed for healthy digestion, is a carb, and carbs are a big no-no on Atkins.

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It's Very Controversial

Obviously, the Atkins diet has its very vocal detractors, many of them in the health care profession. They weigh the benefits of losing weight with the dangers of this particular diet, and find them wanting. If you're not sure if it's right for you, then talk to your own doctor. It's better to be safe than sorry!

It Can Actually Harm Your Brain Function

It's this simple: to function properly, your brain needs carbs. If you're on the Atkins Diet, then you know carbs are very heavily restricted... which means your brain is, most likely, not getting the nutrition it needs to function properly. In the short term, this might be okay, but are you really willing to risk your memory and other brain functions to fit into your skinny jeans? Perhaps another diet plan is better...

Now that you've read my list, does it seem like the right diet for you? Before you decide, be sure to talk to your doctor about your own health situation and needs, and compare the Atkins Diet to other plans, too! Have you tried the Atkins Diet? How did it work for you? Did it help you lose weight? Did you have any side effects? Do tell!

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

interesting that our country never had as much obesity before the "Low-fat" craze (and low fat foods almost almost compensate by adding more carbs, usually as sugars). One of the co-authors of the New Atkins book wrote another book that explains all of the science behind it, for those who are scientifically inclined and can follow

There is also another diet that even my Doctor told me to stay away from, the Bernstein diet. A friend of mine was on it. She completely deprived herself of what she needed and sure she lost the weight but she had droopy skin and when she went off diet she gained it all back and then some.

Don't believe anything in this article. It's all untrue. Read about it.

I would encourage anyone looking to try Atkins to read the New Atkins book - the "plan" is a lot different than when it started out. Now the heavily restricted carb "phase" is supposed to just be 2 weeks long (or longer if you wish) and then you add in more carbs slowly as your body adjusts, so as not to spike blood sugar. Eventually when you get to the maintenance phase, you have added in things like berries, nuts, whole wheat bread, and more. Also the new Atkins plan promotes LOTS of veggies to get enough fiber. Again, if you follow the updated plan rather than staying super-restricted in carbs like the first phase, then you can maintain it and that's why they call it the Atkins lifestyle. I feel tons better when I'm on it because I don't get the bloat and fatigue and bogged down feeling I get from sugar and processed foods. It also eliminates the intense cravings that you get from blood sugar spikes. One more note - the low-carb plan actually can help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, as well as helping diabetics and heart problems (contrary to popular belief). There are lots of studies done about this. I know most people think of Atkins and think BAD, but in my opinion it's the best plan for cutting out sugary processed foods and eating whole, natural foods and losing and maintaining healthy weight. I have lost over 30 pounds on Atkins in 2010, maintained for a year, and now getting going again to lose more.

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