In the quest for a simple, effective and working weight loss plan, many have researched and tried out different methods that they believe works. One of such methods is known as The Atkins diet, also known as the Atkins nutritional approach. This method is based on the believe that everyone’s body has a unique way that is most effective for weight loss. The Atkins diet method is named after the researcher, Dr. Robert Atkins.
Dr. Atkins is a well-known cardiologist whose diet method is classified as a low-carbohydrate fad diet. His method was said to be inspired by a research paper he read in The Journal of the American Medical Association. His method was to simply limit the sugar and carbohydrates intake of his patients. This method proved effective as many of his patients reportedly lost weight successfully and managed to keep the weight off. What stands out in the report is that the same patients had previously tried a regular diet that was low on calorie but were not successful.
Atkins test rather than focusing on reducing calories like many other diets, involves limiting carbohydrates. It promises that weight loss is possible while eating a diet rich in protein and fat but low on carbohydrates. This therefore means that the body will burn fat which also includes body fat for energy. In this diet plan, the body is constantly being provided with energy that is burned from body fat, and still reducing hunger and cravings, thus making weight loss possible.
The Atkins method was very popular between 2003 and 2004. It was reported that one in eleven North American adults were on low-carb diet such as the Atkins diet.
The Atkins diet has four phases;
Phase 1 involves helping your body switch from burning carbohydrates to burning fat. Eating of more protein and fat is encouraged in this phase.
Phase 2 involves figuring out the quantity of carbohydrates that is acceptable to your body while adding food back to your diet.
Phase 3 involves learning how to maintain weight loss and lose more weight. This phase is normally done when a person wants to lose a few last pounds.
Phase 4 which is the final stage involves not gaining back the lost weight. As such,a diet plan is made which will be followed continually for life.
However, as impressive as the Atkins diet sounds, there has been weak reviews by some persons about the diet as some insists the Atkins method is no more effective than behavioral counseling for weight loss over a period of 6-12 months. According to one review, the Atkins diet led to 0.1% to 2.9% more weight loss at one year compared to control groups which received behavioral counseling for weight loss. It is also believed that the effect of the Atkins diet is smaller over longer periods.
Atkins method comes as a welcome alternative for many persons who have constantly tried to lose weight with no success using the process of calories counting. Atkins may just be the perfect and more effective weight loss method for them.