Atkins Diet Review
As the world becomes more competitive, the pressure on us to be in proper shape continues to mount with each passing day. Even though we strive to catch up with our dream figures, we soon realize the options that we are choosing; from fancy diets to expensive exercise equipment are hardly helping our cause.
So what really are our options? Rudimentary diets mostly involve barbaric regimes on the body, starving it of the basic needs till it becomes placid and struggling for energy. Basic health programs on the other hand are money making franchises which promise benefits for few months to keep you returning. But what if there is scope, a better chance for optimizing the potential of the mind and body to suit your needs and at the same time giving the desired returns. Why not give a thought to the Atkins diet?
Atkins Nutritional Approach, designed by Dr. Robert Atkins is an avant-garde dieting method that was first introduced to the general public through the book Dr. Atkins’ Diet Revolution. Atkins puts forward the concept that our body processes the carbohydrates we eat and converts them into fat and thus it is responsible for the increase in our weight.
The basic idea is to increase the protein consumption while decreasing the intake of refined carbohydrates which is the said source of all the problems. However one should avoid gorging on steaks and t-bones and not keep the diet limited to red meat.
On the other hand, liberal amounts of poultry and sea food helps, as opposed to red meat which is high in cholesterols and often produces party undesirable results. Plant proteins such as beans (Lima, Soya and Black), pulses, nuts, seeds and sprouts are highly suggested considering the low fat and cholesterol content. Mixing the above with small amounts of cheese, salad vegetables with little or no dressing and olive oil would take you close to perfection. In the initial phase it is recommended to stay clear of alcohol, caffeinated beverages and any forms of confectionaries rich in simple sugars.
A typical Atkins diet essentially consists of four distinct stages. The first stage is called as ‘induction’ where a person is introduced to the diet and his carbohydrate intake is restricted to 20gms a day. During this stage a person can hope to loss as much as 15 pounds of weight within 2 weeks. The next stages of Atkins Diet are ongoing weight loss, pre-maintenance and maintenance.
However, do remember that no diet program can help you if you keep to the couch as it is not an alternative to exercise and a balanced lifestyle. If you take the resolution to follow the program, it will serve best under the guidance of a specialist and a professional trainer. In addition before starting on a diet regime, Seeking advice from a doctor is a must especially if you suffer from chronic ailment or diabetes.
So go ahead and follow the Atkins diet to get the perfect shape you always desired. A little research, a good recipe book and sheer resilience will be enough to keep you rolling.