The Atkins Diet is a popular way to lose weight. Atkins' first book was released in the mid-1970s, and since then has been revised and re-released twice. As with any diet, certain foods and beverages are encouraged while others are advised against.
What Is the Atkins Diet?
The Atkins Diet is a low-carbohydrate diet that is high in fat and protein. When a person reduces the amount of carbohydrates that he consumes, a condition known as ketosis is achieved within the body. Ketosis is the process by which our bodies burn fat stores and dietary fat as energy in place of the usual carbohydrate energy source. The Aktins Diet promotes a very low intake of dietary carbohydrates to achieve weight loss.
Recommended Foods
The Atkins Diet encourages foods and beverages that are high in fat and protein yet low in carbohydrates. Bountiful meats, eggs, fish, poultry, cheeses, vegetables (aside from carrots and potatoes), game, butter, cream and most oils are on the "allowed" list.
In the latter stages of the diet, foods like seeds, nuts and small amount of berries are encouraged. These foods are slightly higher in carbohydrates, but are allowed in small quantities once the person has learned her body's weight loss habits and carbohydrate tolerance levels.
In the maintenance phase, which occurs after the person has lost all of the weight he had to lose, sweet potatoes, quinoa, brown rice and barley are also allowed in small amounts.
Grains and Starches
Grains and other starches are prohibited on the Aktins Diet. Potatoes, wheat flour, rice, bread, pasta, cereal and bakery items are prohibited while on Atkins.
Even small amounts of these foods, especially while losing weight in the first and second phases of the diet, can have catastrophic results because they will throw the body out of ketosis, which is the primary mechanism by which Atkins works.
Sugars
Candies, chocolate, cookies, cakes, pastries, breakfast cereals, fruit snacks, soda, fruit juices, and even most fruits are also prohibited while on the Atkins Diet.
The sugars in these products will cause the Atkins Diet to fail if consumed even in small amounts.
Ketchup, barbecue sauce, many salad dressings, gravies and sauces are also prohibited.These foods all contain hidden sugars. Sweet pickles, milk and ice cream are also prohibited because they contain sugars.
Substitute Foods
Atkins Nutritionals, a brand of diet-specific foods, manufactures a variety of snacks that can be eaten in moderation.
Granola bars, candies, shakes and meal replacement bars are available at grocery stores and pharmacies nationwide. Specialty products such as low-carb pastas, baking mixes and breads are available online. While there are products available for all phases of the diet, some are not advised during the induction phase, which is the initial stage of the diet. Check the boxes of the products to ensure that the product is allowed for your particular phase of the diet.
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