Atkins Diet

Dr. Robert Atkins, best-selling author of `Dr. Atkins New Diet
Revolution', is the creator of the low carb diet craze that was
re-introduced into the public consciousness 10 years ago. His
diet plan was originally created in the 70's and many people
today have had great success in weight loss with his diet plan.
25 Million Americans are estimated to be on a low-carb diet at
any one time. "Low-carb" products line the shelves of
supermarkets as "low-fat" products once did in the 80's and
90's.

How does the Atkins diet work?

The first two weeks consist of a diet with only 20 grams of
carbohydrates per day. This "introduction" period, as it is
termed by Atkins, enables the dieter's diet to consist of meat,
poultry eggs, cheese, butter, bacon, sausage, seafood and oils.
In these first two weeks, the dieter is restricted from milk,
grains, breads, cereals, fruits or "high glycemic index" foods
such as peas, corn, potatoes and carrots. In the next weeks of
the program, the dieter adds 5 grams of carbohydrates to their
intake per day. In the `maintenance' phase of the diet,
participants are encouraged to stick between 40-90 grams of
carbs permanently. This diet contradicts what major health
organizations and health experts recommend.

Cancer Prevention and the Atkins Diet

The American Cancer Society recommends 5-9 servings of fruits
and vegetables per day, whole grains to supplement and beans,
legumes and limit intake of red meats. These foods have been
scientifically determined to decrease the risk of cancer.
Fruits, veggies and whole grains contain phytochemicals that
show significant potential against chronic disease. The Atkins
diet does not limit intake of high protein foods or high fat
foods as long as they don't contain too many carbohydrates.

The Global Prevalence of Carbohydrates

In Japan, for example, the diet is rich with carbohydrate
content from rice, beans, legumes, vegetables and fruits. The
Japanese have one of the world's lowest rates of heart disease,
cancer, diabetes and obesity. Fish contains very healthy omega-3
fatty acids. This diet is in direct opposition to the Atkins
diet plan.

Atkins diet plan health risks

Many people have a lot of trouble sticking to the Atkins diet
and the long-term effects will not affect those participants.
Diets very high in protein can lead to acidic urine that
leaches calcium out of the body and leads to a higher risk for
kidney stones and osteoporosis. High cholesterol and elecrolyte
imbalances are problematic with the Atkins plan.

Why are so many Americans obese?

The National Center for Health Statistics claims that the diet
of the average American consists of 500 more calories than it
did in the early 70's. This, in conjunction with a significant
increase of added fats and oils, less exercise, frequent eating
at restaurants and the dreaded `super-sizing' at fast food
joints is causing a national epidemic of obesity. Weight loss
can only be successful if the caloric intake is less than the
caloric outtake.

Long-term weight loss and healthier habits of eating can only
occur with a major change in mental attitude towards food and
respect for the body. There is no quick-fix as far as dieting
and weight loss goes and those that search for it will be
frustrated with yo-yo dieting and fluctuating weight that will
present health risks and damage to the body. Americans need to
learn how to adjust their lifestyle and eating simultaneously.
Preparing meals with fresh meats, fruits and vegetables instead
of eating out of vending machines and drive-in locations would
significantly reduce the occurrence of obesity in the USA.

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