|
|
Fast Weight Loss Information - Articles, search and news in
a single place.
The Atkins Method: Is it Right for You? :
Over the years, the
Atkins plan has become synonymous with weight loss. Fans of the program
say that it has proven to be instrumental in helping them to shed
unwanted pounds. They talk of improved overall health and greater
energy as a result of the Atkins program. However, critics maintain
that Atkins could lead to heart damage, making it an unhealthy diet.
Supporters of Atkins say just about anyone can slim down using their
program. However, there are certain people that are most likely to
benefit from the Atkins plan. These include yo-yo dieters, who find
themselves losing weight, only to gain it back again; dieters who
feel constantly hungry; and those who eat for emotional reasons. Binge
eaters and constant snackers can also benefit from the Atkins program.
In addition, those who suffer from a food addiction are prime candidates
for Atkins.
Atkins relies heavily on proteins and fats, along with carbohydrates
that are rich in nutrients. The idea is to strictly reduce the amount
of non-nutritious carbohydrates you consume. The theory behind this
is that, when carbs are restricted, you end up burning fat rather
than glucose. In addition, it has been shown that, all things being
equal, you will lose more fat with Atkins than with other types of
weight loss plans.
The Atkins plan is divided into four stages. During the initial stage,
your body moves from burning carbohydrates to burning fats. You should
also be able to kick the sugar habit during this stage. During the
second stage, your weight loss will accelerate, but you will also
be able to eat larger portions of vegetables. In the third stage,
known as pre-maintenance, you will continue to add more foods to the
mix. The final stage involves lifetime maintenance. During this phase,
you can continue to fight food addictions, maintain your goal weight,
and decrease the chance that you will suffer from diabetes.
However, it can be difficult to stick with the Atkins plan. This is
because the temptation to eat carbohydrates and sweets is so great.
Friends and relatives can become diet saboteurs, preventing you from
achieving the results you’re looking for. In this case, the
best defense is a good offense. This means telling your significant
others in advance that you’re determined to complete the Atkins
program. Inform them that you don’t want to even be offered
French fries and potato chips.
The Journal of the American Medical Association has suggested that
the Atkins plan can be dangerous for children. This is not surprising,
considering that young people are still growing and need all the nutrients
they can get, whether the vitamins and minerals are from carbohydrates
or other sources. Supporters of Atkins say that, while children may
not benefit from a restriction of vegetables and fruits, they could
consume fewer potatoes and breads and still remain healthy.
Some medical experts say that the Atkins approach is not appropriate
for people who already suffer from kidney or liver trouble. Also,
because Atkins reduces the amount of fruits and vegetables an individual
consumes, the diet can leave people at greater risk for such problems
as cancer and heart disease. As a result, you should probably check
with your family physician before resorting to the Atkins plan, or
any other low-carb, high-protein diet.
It is likely that the Atkins plan will remain controversial for the
foreseeable future. While it has been proven effective in helping
people lose weight, it may also place individuals at a higher risk
for serious diseases. A great deal of additional research needs to
be conducted in order to determine if Atkins is a miracle cure or
a medical nightmare. Once more studies are conducted, the long-term
effects of Atkins on the human body may be easier to determine. If
you are generally in good health and have a normal energy level, you
might give Atkins a try. If, however, you suffer from any serious
diseases, or are experiencing symptoms such as high blood pressure,
you might consider an alternative diet plan. In the end, you, in consultation
with your doctor, will have to determine the diet program that’s
appropriate in your particular case.
Weight Loss Tips
Sponsors;
|
